Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly rejected a US-backed deal for Gaza, a move that has drawn scepticism in Israel. Reports indicate that Netanyahu had been personally involved in hammering out details of a pilot military withdrawal just days prior to his public rejection.
The rejected 15-point plan for Gaza included a commitment from Hamas to give up its weapons, which is a key Israeli demand. Netanyahu's remarks reportedly blindsided Israeli commanders who had been discussing the plan's implementation with him and Israeli chief of staff Eyal Zamir.
According to Israel's Channel 12 television, a defence official stated, "We learned about it today from the media." The official added that Netanyahu had personally consented to the plan and a withdrawal from points in Rafah during earlier meetings. These discussions covered the precise boundaries for three pilot areas in southern Gaza where a proposed international force could replace the Israeli military.
Netanyahu is reportedly struggling to balance the incompatible demands on Gaza policy from his domestic and international allies. His far-right coalition partners advocate for intensified attacks on Gaza and the establishment of settlements, while Donald Trump, a key international ally, seeks a permanent settlement and a return to Palestinian control in Gaza, brokered by the Board of Peace.
Netanyahu's office has rejected reports that he discussed detailed withdrawal plans for Gaza. The public rejection of the Board of Peace plan followed a reported visit by Adm Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, who delivered a message that the Trump administration wants Israel to end its wars in Gaza and Lebanon.