As President Donald Trump pushes for a diplomatic solution to the Middle East conflict involving Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly rejected a U.S.-led peace proposal, revealing a strategic rift between the two nations.
On August 9, during a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu stated, "To be clear, Israel rejects the 15-point document," adding that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas disarms. He emphasized that Hamas's disarmament must include all weapons, both heavy and small, and that a formal disarmament is insufficient; a substantial disarmament is necessary.
The peace proposal, developed by the peace committee last month, outlines that Israel would halt airstrikes and gradually withdraw troops from Gaza once Hamas begins disarmament.
However, Netanyahu insists that Israeli troops must withdraw only after Hamas has fully disarmed. He previously stated on August 4 that while the Trump administration sent a draft, he did not agree with it and communicated his opposition to the U.S.
In response to Netanyahu's remarks, Nikolai Mladenov, a senior representative of the peace committee, appeared on Israeli television shortly after and countered, "The proposal we present today is the only way forward that guarantees such tragedies do not happen again."
The clash between the two sides extends beyond the issue of troop withdrawal from Gaza, reflecting deeper strategic differences regarding the Middle East order.
The Trump administration is focused on finding diplomatic exits not only in Gaza but also in the ongoing conflicts in Lebanon and Iran. With the November midterm elections approaching, the administration aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz through negotiations with Iran and lower oil and gasoline prices while seeking a breakthrough to end conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
Nevertheless, Netanyahu has made it clear that he prioritizes Israel's security and military judgment over U.S. mediation. He stated, "As long as I am Prime Minister, there will be no Palestinian state established in Gaza or in Judea and Samaria," referring to the area known as the West Bank.
Criticism of the Israeli government is also growing within U.S. political circles. Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat, appeared on NBC's 'Meet the Press' and said, "I want a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and support Israel, but I cannot support the actions of the current government," adding that their actions do not align with U.S. national security goals.
He further remarked, "It will be difficult to support sending weapons to Israel until there is a different government in place that changes its policies regarding a Palestinian state existing alongside the Jewish state."
Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on an amendment to limit unconditional support for Israel. The amendment failed with 104 votes in favor and 314 against, although 103 Democrats supported it.
The Guardian reported that Netanyahu is likely trying to rally his base with a hardline stance ahead of the October elections, amid declining approval ratings and pressure from hardliners within his coalition. Additionally, as the U.S. approaches the November midterm elections, generational shifts in perceptions of Israel are emerging, suggesting that this conflict could lead to a reconfiguration of the alliance between the two countries.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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