Netanyahu Rejects Gaza Plan as Trump Plays Down Rift
Benjamin Netanyahu held to his rejection of President Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza, insisting Israel would not withdraw until Hamas fully disarmed, even as Mr Trump played down any rift and said their relationship remained “good”. Israel signalled it would keep pursuing those it blames for the October 2023 attacks. The stand-off left the American-backed framework in limbo.
Mr Trump’s effort to smooth over the disagreement underscored his reluctance to be seen at odds with a close ally, even as Mr Netanyahu defies the centrepiece of his peace push. The Israeli leader, under pressure from hardliners and facing elections, has little incentive to bend, while Hamas — which had accepted the plan — urges Washington to force Israel’s hand. Reports that Israel had quietly approved reconstruction in areas it controls hinted at a more complicated reality beneath the public positions. With neither side moving, the plan risks quietly withering. Watch whether Mr Trump applies real pressure or lets the rejection stand.