Netanyahu Rejects New Gaza Peace Plan Amid Election Pressure and Rift with Trump

Ahead of Israel's upcoming Knesset elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected a new 15-point peace plan for Gaza proposed by the Peace Council, marking a rare public split with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had previously partnered closely with Netanyahu. The New York Times highlighted Netanyahu's difficult election campaign and noted that despite his promise of a decisive victory over Hamas following the October 7 massacre, the terrorist group still controls parts of Gaza.

The initial ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, brokered by the U.S. in October last year, postponed addressing key issues such as Hamas's control over Gaza. Trump's peace plan required Hamas to disarm, a demand central to Israel but fundamentally opposed by Hamas. Media outlets like the BBC and CNN pointed out that with elections approaching, Netanyahu is unlikely to make concessions, especially as right-wing coalition members push to revisit and reject the plan. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich emphasized that the IDF cannot retreat even a millimeter from Gaza.

The rejected 15-point plan called for all parties to recommit to Trump's comprehensive peace framework, aiming to end the cycle of destruction, complete Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, restore Palestinian governance, and enable economic recovery and political progress. It included phased disarmament of militant groups, international supervision, and the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian committee to manage Gaza under international oversight. The plan also detailed security arrangements, humanitarian aid delivery, and a gradual Israeli military withdrawal contingent on verified commitments.

In contrast, Israel had previously accepted a 20-point plan last October, which included hostage releases, a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and assurances against Gaza's annexation. That plan envisioned a phased Israeli withdrawal tied to international stabilization efforts and maintaining a peripheral security presence until the terror threat was eliminated. Netanyahu reiterated that no Israeli withdrawal would occur before Hamas is disarmed.

The new plan's rejection reflects growing tensions between the Israeli government and the U.S. administration over Iran and Gaza policy, as Netanyahu faces internal political challenges. The Peace Council's roadmap aimed to create conditions for Palestinian self-determination and statehood through a credible political process, but Netanyahu's stance signals continued hardline security priorities ahead of the elections.