"Bibi Plays His Own Game": US in Panic
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the US 15-point plan for the Gaza Strip, demanding the disarmament of Hamas before any troop withdrawal. This has raised concerns among allies and threatens the 27-nation "Peace Council." Diplomats note Washington's lack of leverage, and an administration source calls Netanyahu's actions a "election campaign."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the 15-point plan for the Gaza Strip prepared by Washington, causing serious concern among US allies. According to Maariv, diplomats note that Washington lacks sufficient leverage over the situation in Gaza. On Sunday, Netanyahu stated that Israel demands the real disarmament of Hamas before any troop withdrawal. This threatens the "Peace Council," an initiative of 27 states created as part of the Trump deal. An Arab diplomat warned of consequences for regional stability, emphasizing that only Trump can influence Netanyahu. Former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Robert Jordan, called the "Peace Council" flawed. A council representative assured that work continues, including the creation of a logistics support zone for hundreds of military personnel. A Western diplomat believes that concessions to Israel lead to maximalist demands. A source in the Trump administration views Netanyahu's actions as an "election campaign" ahead of October elections. A European diplomat expressed disappointment at Trump's weakened influence, citing the failure to quickly end the war in Iran as an example.