- On Monday, US Middle East envoy Jared Kushner visited Israel and met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- The discussion focused on Trump's peace plan for Gaza, which Netanyahu rejected after Hamas accepted it.
- Netanyahu insisted that Hamas must disarm first before Israel fulfills any of its commitments.
- Despite claiming to have had a good meeting, Kushner did not seem to have achieved much progress.
Jared Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to discuss a peace plan for Gaza, which was initially proposed by US President Donald Trump. However, Netanyahu firmly rejected the plan, insisting that Hamas must disarm before any commitments from Israel can be fulfilled.12
Netanyahu's insistence on disarmament appears to be a strategic move to delay future negotiations. His approach aligns with his long-standing image as “Mr. Security”, portraying himself as the only leader capable of managing Israel's multifaceted security threats, including conflicts with Iran, Palestinians, Hezbollah, and Syria.
Public sentiment in Israel reflects a divided opinion on the peace process. According to recent polls, 45 percent of Israelis support a peace deal for Gaza, while 37 percent prefer a return to conflict, and 17 percent wish to maintain the current status quo. This division indicates a complex landscape for Netanyahu as he navigates both domestic and international pressures.
Despite the potential economic repercussions of ongoing conflict, as highlighted by a report from the OECD predicting “large fiscal costs” due to military actions, Netanyahu seems unconcerned about the economic implications, as conflict has historically benefited Israel's defense sector.
“Despite a reportedly 'good meeting,' Kushner did not achieve significant progress, as Netanyahu remains firm on disarming Hamas before any commitments. Opinion polls show 45% of Israelis support a peace deal for Gaza, while 37% prefer a return to fighting, reflecting a divided public sentiment.”
