Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected a U.S.-led Gaza plan supported by Hamas, marking a notable divergence from President Donald Trump’s position and signaling a potential shift in their previously close alliance. The announcement came as Netanyahu seeks to bolster support among his right-wing base ahead of upcoming elections scheduled for October 27. During a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu stated that Israel opposes the 15-point document, which Hamas agreed to in late July, emphasizing that the Israeli military will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed and threats to Israeli forces and civilians are neutralized. Netanyahu acknowledged Trump as “our greatest friend in the White House” but clarified that Israel is prepared to challenge the U.S. on issues deemed critical to national security. He indicated that while some aspects of the proposed plan might be acceptable, others require firm resistance. This stance reflects growing tensions between the two leaders, particularly as Netanyahu faces increasing pressure from his right-wing allies and the broader electorate, who view the Gaza plan unfavorably. The Gaza plan, aimed at preventing a recurrence of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, has been championed by the Board of Peace, a group established under Trump’s administration to oversee the implementation of the agreement. Nickolay Mladenov, the board’s high representative for Gaza, emphasized the importance of the plan during an interview with Israel’s Channel 12 television. He expressed hope for a positive resolution through further dialogue with Israel and reiterated that the commitment involves the United States, Hamas, and the Board of Peace, excluding Israel from direct obligations until Hamas surrenders all weapons, including Kalashnikov rifles. Hamas continues to endorse the plan, urging the U.S. to exert pressure on Netanyahu to comply with the roadmap. A member of Hamas’s political bureau, Bassem Naim, stated that they expect the mediators and the American guarantor to ensure Netanyahu adheres to the outlined steps, rather than allowing domestic political considerations to hinder progress. Despite these calls, Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the plan, highlighting the complexity of achieving a lasting ceasefire in the region. The friction between Netanyahu and Trump has intensified over recent months, particularly as their strategic goals began to diverge. While both leaders initially aligned in their opposition to Iran, Trump’s pursuit of a ceasefire and subsequent settlement to the conflict clashed with Netanyahu’s hardline stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Netanyahu has consistently maintained that as long as he remains in power, Iran will not acquire nuclear weapons, a position he has held for years. This divergence has led to increased scrutiny of their partnership, especially as Trump’s efforts to broker peace in the Middle East face challenges from both sides. In addition to the Gaza plan, Netanyahu has escalated military actions in Lebanon, citing violations of a ceasefire by Iran-backed Hezbollah. These strikes occurred amid ongoing U.S.-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon, adding another layer of complexity to the regional dynamics. Despite Netanyahu’s rejection of the Gaza plan, Israeli operations in the area have reportedly diminished since the agreement was announced, though they have not ceased entirely. Recent developments indicate continued instability in the region, with Israeli military activity persisting in Gaza. On Sunday, Israeli gunfire resulted in injuries to several individuals, including a child, who required medical attention in Khan Yunis, according to a civil defense spokesperson. These incidents underscore the ongoing volatility and the challenges faced by both Israeli and Palestinian authorities in seeking a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
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