Netanyahu's Rejection of the Gaza Peace Plan Weakens U.S. Influence — Politico
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to reject the 15-point peace plan for Gaza has raised concerns among American diplomats and U.S. allies. According to Politico, this stance could weaken Washington’s influence on the future course of the conflict.
The Israeli leader’s decision significantly undermines confidence in the Peace Council, established at the initiative of the White House, and calls into question the Trump administration’s ability to influence conflict resolution in the Middle East. Diplomatic sources note that Washington lacks leverage over Israel, which poses risks to the stability of the entire region.
“Netanyahu’s rejection of the peace plan has significant implications for long-term regional stability and Israel’s security. President Trump is the only one who has the potential to influence this situation, as he may attempt to restore his political relevance by pressuring Netanyahu to reconsider his position,” said an Arab diplomat familiar with the negotiation process.
The reason for Tel Aviv’s hardline stance is Netanyahu’s demand for the complete and “genuine disarmament” of Hamas prior to the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip. This decision creates serious obstacles to the functioning of the Peace Council—an international body established as part of Trump’s initiatives to end the war.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Robert Jordan emphasized that this initiative is currently “limping along,” while Western diplomats point out that Israel’s strategy of concessions only provokes it to make more maximalist demands.
At the same time, the Peace Council itself insists that work on the initiative is continuing. In particular, a logistical support zone is being prepared in Gaza for the deployment of international stabilization forces. Negotiators also note that Netanyahu’s move may be linked to the domestic political situation in Israel and an attempt to boost his approval ratings ahead of parliamentary elections. Washington is currently refraining from a public conflict with the Israeli prime minister, and Trump emphasizes maintaining “good relations” with the country’s leadership.
Despite the difficulties, European diplomats and members of the Peace Council hope to resume discussions on the road map once the election process in Israel is complete. The Peace Council’s chief negotiator, Nikolay Mladenov, continues to insist on the 15-point plan, considering it the only viable path toward deradicalization, demilitarization, and the subsequent stabilization of the region.
Source: Politico
Earlier, Netanyahu announced Israel’s rejection of Trump’s 15-point plan for Gaza.
