Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected Donald Trump’s 15-point proposal for Gaza. His reason: “Israel will not withdraw until Hamas is genuinely disarmed.”
The US-backed plan called for Hamas to surrender weapons, for a nascent Palestinian governing body, and for Israel to begin pulling out in tandem. Hamas had agreed to it in late July. The White House called it a “milestone for peace.” Netanyahu called it unacceptable. “They have ideas, some acceptable, some not,” he said. Translation: no ceasefire without surrender.
This puts Israel at odds with its “greatest friend.” It also puts Netanyahu at odds with his own right wing, which wants the war to continue, and with global opinion, which wants it to end.
Why the rejection? Three reasons. One: domestic politics. With elections 27 months away, Netanyahu cannot look soft. Two: military logic. The IDF believes it can still degrade Hamas. Three: distrust. Israel does not believe any Palestinian body can govern Gaza without Hamas influence.
The cost is high. The war drags on. More Israeli soldiers die. More Gazans die. And the hostages remain in limbo. The US plan was flawed, but it was the only plan on the table. By rejecting it outright instead of negotiating amendments, Israel risks isolation. Even the US is frustrated. “Our greatest friend” is now publicly challenging Washington.
Peace in Gaza will not come from total victory. It will come from ugly compromises. Disarmament, governance, reconstruction — all must happen in parallel, not in sequence.
Netanyahu’s “no” may feel strong. But in the long run, it may only prolong the war he says he wants to end.