Israel Resists US Pressure to Advance 15-Point Gaza Plan Amid Tough Talks

An Israeli official confirmed to N12 on August 11 that the United States is exerting heavy pressure on Israel to implement a 15-point plan concerning the Gaza Strip. However, Israeli authorities are actively working to block this initiative. The official revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially underestimated the severity of the situation but has recently begun to grasp its implications. Intense discussions have taken place between Netanyahu and US officials, with Israel ultimately vetoing the plan and firmly opposing any partial or phased disarmament of Hamas.

The 15-point plan, which Israel had previously accepted as an experimental model for a Hamas-free zone near Rafah, is now rejected. The Israeli source emphasized that Israel demands complete disarmament of Hamas before any further steps can be considered, rejecting proposals for partial withdrawals or segmented zones. This stance contrasts with comments from Nikolay Mladenov, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, who described a gradual Israeli withdrawal contingent on progress in disarmament.

Regarding military actions in Gaza, the Israeli official stressed the need for caution to avoid unnecessary escalation, stating that the goal is to maintain control without provoking the US or destabilizing the diplomatic process. On the Iran front, the official described the current situation as favorable for Israel, highlighting Iran's deepening economic crisis and the pressure of international sanctions. Reports of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian threatening resignation were confirmed, illustrating internal turmoil. The official warned that if the economic hardships persist for another two to three months, Iran could reach a breaking point, potentially undermining the regime.

Israel sees no urgency to alter its current approach toward Iran, viewing the ongoing crisis as strategically advantageous. The official noted that while Iran projects an image of having ample time, internally the economic and political pressures are intensifying, constricting the regime's stability.