Netanyahu Rejects Trump's Gaza Plan; Trump Calls Relationship "Very Good"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a U.S.-backed 15-point peace plan for the Gaza Strip on August 9, stating Israel's military will not withdraw until Hamas is genuinely disarmed.

President Donald Trump insisted on August 11 that his relationship with Netanyahu remains very good despite the rift over the Gaza proposal. The Trump administration's plan called for reciprocal steps, including Hamas surrendering its weapons within a transitional arrangement, the formation of an international stabilization mechanism and a Palestinian security structure, and a progressive withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Netanyahu explicitly stated Israel rejects the plan and that the army will not withdraw from Gaza before Hamas is genuinely disarmed of both heavy and light weapons. He said the proposal was not compatible with Israel's national security. Netanyahu's rejection is seen as a tactical decision ahead of upcoming elections, where he faces a tough contest.

Some reports suggest the decision aims to satisfy his right-wing base rather than his ally Donald Trump. The White House has not commented on Netanyahu's dismissal of the deal. Despite Netanyahu's opposition, some sources indicate Trump's Gaza plan remains operative. A "Trump board head" called the rejected plan the only way forward. The German foreign ministry stated the Gaza plan could lead towards the disarmament of Hamas.

Netanyahu's insistence on complete disarmament before withdrawal creates a condition that can be endlessly postponed, according to one analysis. The Israeli opposition has supported Netanyahu's rejection of the plan.