Netanyahu Rejects US-Backed Gaza Plan, Breaking with Trump
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly dismissed a Gaza initiative backed by Hamas, creating a notable divide with President Donald Trump. This 15-point plan, which Hamas agreed to in late July, faced opposition from Netanyahu due to pressure from far-right cabinet members and unfavorable polling among his right-wing supporters. Netanyahu declared, "Israel rejects the 15-point document," asserting that the Israeli military "will not execute any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed and will persist in countering threats against our forces and citizens." While he referred to Trump as "our greatest friend in the White House," Netanyahu expressed his readiness to contest certain ideas, stating, "They have ideas; some are acceptable to us and some are not." This rejection follows over a week of mounting criticism from Netanyahu, even as he assured that immediate withdrawal from Gaza was unnecessary. The plan, once celebrated by Trump as a significant step toward peace, now faces an uncertain future as Netanyahu aims to solidify support ahead of upcoming elections.
Key facts
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a US-led Gaza plan endorsed by Hamas.
- The plan is a 15-point document agreed to by Hamas in late July.
- Netanyahu's rejection marks a break with President Donald Trump, who had hailed the deal as a milestone for peace.
- Polls show the plan is unpopular with Netanyahu's right-wing base.
- Far-right members of Netanyahu's cabinet urged him to kill the plan.
- Netanyahu said Israel will not withdraw until Hamas is genuinely disarmed.
- Netanyahu described Trump as 'our greatest friend in the White House' but said Israel knows how to stand its ground.
- The rejection came despite assurances that Israel would not need to start withdrawing immediately.
Entities
Institutions
- Israeli government
- Hamas
- United States
Locations
- Israel
- Gaza
- United States