White House Shrugs Off Netanyahu's Rejection of Gaza Plan
The White House said it was “not worried” that Benjamin Netanyahu had rejected President Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza, playing down the rift a day after the Israeli leader refused to withdraw until Hamas disarms. Mr Netanyahu said he could “stand up to” Mr Trump. Hamas, which had backed the plan, appealed directly to Washington to pressure Israel into implementing it.
The competing signals left the American-backed framework in limbo, with each side daring the other to move. Israel insists Hamas must give up its weapons before any pullback; Hamas says it will not disarm without a firm timetable for withdrawal, and warned Israel of an “ambush”. Reports that Mr Netanyahu had approved, then reversed, a limited withdrawal from parts of Rafah underscored the confusion. Washington’s public calm may be an attempt to keep the plan alive while pressing Israel behind the scenes. Watch whether Mr Trump leans harder on his ally or the deal quietly dies.