Netanyahu's refusal of US-backed Gaza plan threatens alliance with Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected a US-backed deal for Gaza, surprising IDF commanders and risking his relationship with key ally Donald Trump. Reports indicate Netanyahu was personally involved in drafting a military withdrawal plan days earlier. He faces conflicting pressures from domestic and international allies over Gaza policy.
Israeli media reported that Netanyahu had previously consented to precise boundaries for three initial withdrawal zones in southern Gaza, where an unestablished international force would assume control from the military. His abrupt public dismissal of the 15-point proposal, which included Hamas surrendering weapons, contradicted those earlier discussions and stunned defense officials.
The public rebuke followed a visit from US Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper, who personally conveyed Washington's demand to conclude conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Despite the defiant rhetoric, Netanyahu has partially accommodated US wishes by recently raising the authorization threshold for targeted strikes.
This public rift could strain Israel's access to vital US military supplies and diplomatic cover, potentially affecting regional stability. Israeli voters may see the prime minister as either capitulating to far-right partners or defying a crucial ally, influencing the upcoming election. The uncertainty may also delay humanitarian and governance arrangements in Gaza, leaving civilians and regional actors in a precarious position as Washington and Jerusalem reassess their strategies.