Palestine weekly: Netanyahu hedges on Gaza roadmap

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly rejected a 15-point peace plan for Gaza, developed by the Trump administration. Netanyahu stated that Israel will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is disarmed of all weaponry, emphasizing a need for genuine disarmament. This marks a rare public disagreement with President Trump. The plan, proposed in July, stipulated Hamas disarmament in exchange for an Israeli military withdrawal and a Palestinian National Committee transition of power. Netanyahu's rejection comes amid ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza and ahead of upcoming elections, as he seeks to project strength on national security. The head of Trump's Board of Peace maintained the plan is the "only way forward."

Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's explicit rejection of a US-led 15-point peace plan for Gaza, U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Monday that their relationship remains "very good." Netanyahu formally refused to endorse the plan, which proposed Israel withdrawing forces in exchange for Hamas disarmament, after days of escalating criticism. This rejection aligns with pressure from Netanyahu's right-wing base and cabinet members. The plan, announced by Trump late last month, outlined a phased approach for armed groups in Gaza to surrender weapons to a new Palestinian governing body, with Israel beginning troop withdrawals to end the conflict. Netanyahu had previously acknowledged receiving a draft but disagreed with it, making Sunday his first formal assertion of refusal.

A Board of Peace official, Nikolay Mladenov, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss a new disarmament deal with Hamas. The agreement, announced by President Donald Trump, aims for the complete decommissioning of weapons in Gaza and a transition to civilian governance. Mladenov also urged Netanyahu to halt Israeli strikes in Gaza, as the Board of Peace pushes for the implementation of the disarmament plan. Israel had previously expressed "serious security concerns" regarding the agreement and had increased strikes in Gaza, resulting in civilian casualties. The article notes that no airstrikes were recorded in Gaza on the day of the meeting.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected a 15-point Gaza roadmap proposed by US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, stating Israel would not withdraw until Hamas is disarmed. Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the plan, seeking guarantees on a ceasefire, withdrawal, aid, and reconstruction. Despite the public rejection, attacks in Gaza significantly decreased this week, and reports indicate secret approval for rehabilitation work in eastern Rafah, though concerns exist about further entrenching Israeli military presence. International forces are reportedly being prepared for a phased Israeli pullback. Meanwhile, Israeli forces conducted a multi-day operation in the Qalandiya refugee camp in the West Bank, resulting in detentions and injuries.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a 15-point Gaza plan proposed by the Trump administration, which aimed for Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal. Despite Netanyahu's public refusal, the White House reportedly views his statement as campaign rhetoric ahead of Israel's upcoming general election. A senior US official indicated understanding of Netanyahu's political needs, provided Israel continues to restrain attacks in Gaza. The plan, which Hamas had agreed to conditionally, includes the deployment of an International Stabilization Force and the establishment of a new Palestinian administration. Netanyahu stated Israel will not withdraw until Hamas is genuinely disarmed, emphasizing the need for heavy and light weaponry to be decommissioned.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected a US-backed deal for Gaza, a move that reportedly blindsided IDF commanders who had been discussing its implementation. This decision appears to be a gamble to appease his far-right domestic allies, who advocate for intensified attacks and settlements in Gaza, ahead of upcoming elections. The US-backed plan, brokered by Donald Trump's Board of Peace, included Hamas committing to disarm and a potential pilot military withdrawal by Israel. Netanyahu's rejection defies US pressure to end conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, risking alienation of Trump, a crucial ally. While the US administration initially seemed to view the rejection as electioneering, Netanyahu's conflicting domestic and international demands create evident strains.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected United States President Donald Trump's 15-point plan for Gaza, stating that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is "genuinely disarmed." The plan, proposed by the US-led Board of Peace, outlined a phased framework for disarmament and reconstruction, with Hamas surrendering weapons in exchange for an Israeli military withdrawal and a new Palestinian governing body. Netanyahu, facing pressure from his right-wing base ahead of elections, insists on complete disarmament before any pull-back, emphasizing the need for "real disarmament, not fictitious disarmament." This rejection creates significant challenges for mediators working on the plan, while Palestinians in Gaza anticipate increased uncertainty.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel rejects a 15-point Gaza proposal from the Board of Peace. He stated that Israeli forces will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is "genuinely disarmed" of all its weapons. While Israel is discussing Hamas disarmament with the United States, Netanyahu emphasized that any agreement must involve the complete surrender of Hamas's arsenal. Hamas, however, remains committed to a roadmap agreed upon with mediators and expects the US and mediators to pressure Israel to adhere to it. Netanyahu also reiterated his opposition to a Palestinian state in Gaza or the West Bank.

The US-led Board of Peace, represented by director Nickolay Mladenov, has stated that an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza will only occur after Hamas completes its disarmament. This clarification followed a meeting between Mladenov and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in West Jerusalem, amidst tensions surrounding a Gaza disarmament roadmap and recent Israeli attacks. The Board emphasized that the decommissioning of all weapons, including light and heavy arms and tunnels, must be finalized before Israeli forces move beyond the "Yellow Line." Hamas, however, insists the deal will not be implemented unless Israel fulfills its obligations. Mladenov reportedly urged Netanyahu to cease attacks on Gaza, a request Israel has refused, continuing military actions despite a ceasefire agreement.

Iran has submitted a new 14-point proposal to the United States via Pakistan, aiming for a permanent end to the ongoing war. This plan is reportedly a response to a prior nine-point US proposal that focused on a two-month ceasefire. Iran's latest offer emphasizes resolving all issues within 30 days, seeking guarantees for a lasting peace. President Trump is currently reviewing the proposal but has expressed uncertainty about reaching a deal, citing mistrust between the two nations. The conflict, which began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran in February, has involved a naval war in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran imposing a de facto blockade and the US maintaining a naval blockade of Iranian ports, despite a ceasefire initiated on April 8. Key US demands include Iran ending its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and addressing its nuclear capabilities.

US President Donald Trump is reviewing a 14-point peace proposal from Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Speaking in Florida, Trump confirmed he had been briefed on the proposal, which reportedly includes lifting the US naval blockade, war reparations, and asset release. However, he issued a warning that air strikes could resume if Iran "misbehaves," indicating a continued tough stance. Trump suggested Iran is seeking a settlement due to its weakened state from conflict and the blockade. The diplomatic overture follows a fragile three-week truce that began on April 7th, with Iran seeking a 30-day window to finalize terms, a timeline potentially at odds with US preferences.

President Trump stated he will review a new 14-point peace proposal from Iran, delivered via Pakistan, but expressed skepticism. He believes Iran has not yet "paid a big enough price" for its actions. This proposal reportedly includes US troop withdrawal from surrounding areas, lifting the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, releasing frozen assets, compensation, and ending the war on all fronts. Iran's deputy foreign minister indicated the decision for diplomacy or confrontation rests with the US. Washington insists on a deal preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies. The US has also warned shipping companies against paying Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.