Netanyahu eyes election base as friction with Trump grows over Gaza deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday officially rejected the 15-point Gaza peace plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that Israel would not withdraw its military presence from the Palestinian territory until Hamas is fully disarmed. In a speech during a Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu emphasized that the plan, which had previously received support from Hamas, did not align with Israel’s security priorities. He reiterated that Israel’s armed forces would continue operations to neutralize threats against its population and territorial integrity, underscoring that the nation’s survival and security were non-negotiable. The plan, introduced by Trump’s Board of Peace in late July, outlined a phased Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza contingent upon Hamas disarming entirely. It aimed to establish a transitional administration led by a Palestinian authority to manage the area while ensuring regional stability. However, Netanyahu dismissed the proposal, arguing that such a withdrawal could jeopardize Israel’s security. He insisted that Hamas must relinquish all weaponry, including light arms like Kalashnikov rifles, before any troop movement took place. This stance reflects deepening tensions between Israel and the U.S., particularly as Netanyahu seeks to consolidate support ahead of upcoming legislative elections. Netanyahu’s rejection came amid growing skepticism within Israel regarding the feasibility of the plan. Many Israelis, especially those living near the Gaza border, expressed concerns that premature withdrawals might lead to renewed violence. Shlomo Margalit, a resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz, voiced fears that the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack could recur if security measures were relaxed. Others, like Bruce Schonefeld of Tel Aviv, criticized the plan as unrealistic, noting that Hamas has shown little willingness to disarm and that Trump’s involvement seemed more symbolic than substantive. These views reflect broader frustrations with the U.S. role in Middle East diplomacy and the perceived lack of tangible progress toward lasting peace. Hamas, which formally accepted the plan shortly after selecting a new leadership under Khalil al-Hayya, continues to advocate for its implementation. The group has called on U.S. diplomats and international mediators to exert pressure on Netanyahu to comply with the roadmap. A Hamas official, Bassem Naïm, stated that the organization expects the United States to ensure that Israel does not obstruct the process for political or electoral reasons. Despite these appeals, Hamas acknowledges that the plan remains stalled due to Israeli resistance. The rejection of the plan has further strained relations between Netanyahu and Trump, whose alliance had grown stronger in recent years. Trump, known for his strong advocacy of Israel, had praised the plan as a major step toward peace. However, Netanyahu’s refusal to endorse the proposal signals a shift in their dynamic, with the Israeli leader asserting greater autonomy in shaping security policy. This divergence comes after months of discord, including Trump’s public criticism of Netanyahu during diplomatic negotiations with Iran earlier this year. Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza remains fragile. A precarious ceasefire, established in October 2023 following the Hamas attack, has held but is constantly threatened by sporadic Israeli airstrikes. The Israeli military has continued targeted operations in the region, resulting in civilian casualties, according to Palestinian officials who estimate that over 1,200 people, mostly women and children, have been killed since the ceasefire began. The humanitarian crisis persists, with aid deliveries frequently disrupted and infrastructure continuing to suffer extensive damage. As the political landscape in Israel becomes increasingly volatile, Netanyahu’s decision to reject the Trump plan underscores his determination to prioritize national security above all else. With upcoming elections approaching, maintaining public support remains crucial, and his hardline stance on Gaza appears to be a calculated effort to appeal to his conservative base. The fate of the peace initiative now rests on whether international actors, including the United States and Egypt, can bridge the widening gap between Israel and Hamas. For now, however, the path to resolution remains uncertain.