Gaza Plan Becomes a Test of US Influence in the Middle East
World
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of a Washington-backed plan for the Gaza Strip has intensified doubts among US allies over the Trump administration’s ability to influence Israel and advance its own vision for a settlement. Politico reported the concerns, citing Western and Arab diplomats.
According to the publication, a growing number of US allies believe Washington either lacks sufficient leverage over the Israeli leadership or is unwilling to use the tools available to it. A European diplomat told Politico that the situation remains highly uncertain and that confidence in President Donald Trump’s mediation efforts is declining.
Netanyahu previously rejected a 15-point plan backed by the White House, saying Israel would not withdraw its forces from Gaza until Hamas was “actually disarmed.”
Politico’s sources said the Israeli prime minister’s position could have implications not only for the prospects of a settlement in Gaza but also for perceptions of US diplomacy in other regional conflicts.
The White House, however, does not regard Netanyahu’s position as evidence that the peace process has failed. A US administration official told the publication that the Israeli prime minister’s actions are largely driven by domestic political considerations ahead of Israel’s parliamentary elections in October.
A White House source also said that, despite the disagreement over the political plan, practical cooperation within the US-led “Peace Council” framework has progressed in recent weeks.
The ability of Washington to reconcile its position with that of Israel therefore remains a key factor in determining whether the US initiative for Gaza can move forward.
Netanyahu previously rejected a 15-point plan backed by the White House, saying Israel would not withdraw its forces from Gaza until Hamas was “actually disarmed.”
Politico’s sources said the Israeli prime minister’s position could have implications not only for the prospects of a settlement in Gaza but also for perceptions of US diplomacy in other regional conflicts.
The White House, however, does not regard Netanyahu’s position as evidence that the peace process has failed. A US administration official told the publication that the Israeli prime minister’s actions are largely driven by domestic political considerations ahead of Israel’s parliamentary elections in October.
A White House source also said that, despite the disagreement over the political plan, practical cooperation within the US-led “Peace Council” framework has progressed in recent weeks.
The ability of Washington to reconcile its position with that of Israel therefore remains a key factor in determining whether the US initiative for Gaza can move forward.
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