The Guardian- Netanyahu rejects the US-backed 15-point Gaza peace plan in a rare public break with Donald Trump.
- In a statement, Israel’s prime minister said he was confronting a wave of rumours about Israeli weakness and Israeli withdrawals on all fronts and rebuked US pressure to end wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran without Israel’s buy-in.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly rejected a US-backed 15-point peace plan aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict, marking a significant departure from Donald Trump. In a statement, Netanyahu addressed a "wave of rumours about Israeli weakness and Israeli withdrawals on all fronts" and criticized US pressure to conclude conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran without Israel's agreement.12
The peace plan, proposed by Trump's Board of Peace in July, required Hamas to disarm in exchange for a complete Israeli military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and a transition of power to an independent Palestinian national committee. However, Netanyahu emphasized that he seeks full disarmament of Hamas before any implementation of the deal, stating, "I want a full Hamas disarmament first in order to implement the deal." This stance highlights the complexities of the peace process and Israel's insistence on security guarantees before any concessions are made.
Netanyahu's remarks reflect a broader concern within Israel regarding perceived vulnerabilities and the need for a unified front in negotiations, especially in light of ongoing tensions in the region. The prime minister's rejection of the plan underscores the challenges facing US efforts to mediate peace in the Middle East, as Israel remains steadfast in its demands for security and recognition of its sovereignty.
“In a statement, Israel's prime minister said he was confronting a 'wave of rumours about Israeli weakness and Israeli withdrawals on all fronts.' He also rebuked US pressure to end wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran without Israel's buy-in.”
