Trump Urges Netanyahu to Advance Gaza Plan Post-Election
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance a plan for Gaza during a call last Thursday, according to Israeli Channel 12. The plan, previously stalled by elections, is now a priority for Trump regardless of the next Israeli government. Trump's "Peace Council" has been refining details with Israel, focusing on Gaza's disarmament before reconstruction. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair also visited Israel to advocate for the plan's support.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- President Trump urged PM Netanyahu to advance a Gaza plan during a phone call last Thursday.
- The Gaza plan was previously stalled due to Israeli elections but is now a priority for Trump.
- Trump's "Peace Council" has been working with Israel on details, including Gaza's disarmament.
- Reconstruction in Gaza will only begin after progress is made in disarming Hamas.
- Former British PM Tony Blair visited Israel to encourage support for the Gaza plan.
U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take steps toward implementing a plan for the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli Channel 12. The directive came during a phone call last Thursday between the two leaders, with the report citing two informed sources. The plan had been stalled for months due to Israeli elections, as the Trump administration reportedly wished to avoid making its implementation a sensitive political issue during the campaign.
Following the elections, Trump now wants to move forward with his Gaza plan regardless of the makeup of the next Israeli government. The report indicated that Trump's "Peace Council" has been working with the Israeli government and military over the past three months to refine the plan's details and address Israeli concerns regarding the disarmament of Gaza. A senior U.S. official stated that the process would be gradual, with full verification of disarmament, and that reconstruction would only commence after progress in Hamas's disarmament.
Sources indicate agreement among the Trump administration, the Peace Council, and Israel that the plan remains the optimal option with no reliable alternative. In September, during UN General Assembly meetings, the Peace Council presented an initial $2.45 billion, six-month reconstruction plan for Gaza, comprising 66 projects. The report described it as a comprehensive roadmap for Gaza's post-war management, contingent on cooperation from both Israel and Hamas.
An informed source described the conversation as "positive and constructive" regarding moving forward in Gaza. The report noted Netanyahu initiated the call, which also touched upon the war against Iran. Neither the White House nor the Prime Minister's office has officially commented.
The day after the call, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, a key member of the Peace Council's executive board, visited Israel. He met with Netanyahu, Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yamina party, and other political officials. An informed source stated Blair urged Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders to support and give the plan a chance.
A senior U.S. official reiterated that the Trump administration seeks Israeli government approval for the Gaza steps, which were delayed for political reasons. The official acknowledged the plan's implementation would be difficult but deemed it beneficial for Israel, emphasizing the need for full cooperation and partnership from the Israeli government.
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