In recent months, behind-the-scenes efforts have been underway to appoint a new governor for Gaza, a senior Palestinian businessman named Samir Halilah. According to those involved in the matter, as well as documents submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice, this is an attempt to bring someone into the Strip who would operate under the auspices of the Arab League, be acceptable to both Israel and the United States, and enable a transition to the 'day after' the war. Halilah is being promoted by, among others, a controversial lobbyist, former Israeli Ari Ben-Menashe, who operates from Canada. According to him, in recent weeks the initiative has gained momentum, partly due to meetings held in the United States and contacts Halilah maintained in Egypt.