Netanyahu's Rejection of Gaza Plan Undermines Trump’s Influence in Middle East, Say Western Diplomats

Western diplomats and officials familiar with U.S. policy in the Middle East have expressed concern that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rejection of the 15-point peace plan for Gaza weakens President Donald Trump's ability to influence Israel and regional dynamics. According to these sources, it is becoming clear that Washington either lacks the leverage or is unwilling to apply pressure to secure a new status quo in Gaza. This development raises fears that U.S. efforts to negotiate in other Middle Eastern arenas may also suffer setbacks.

An Arab diplomat familiar with U.S. strategy said Trump is the only figure with potential to impact the situation and could try to regain political relevance by pressuring Netanyahu to reconsider his stance. A Western diplomat added that Netanyahu’s actions highlight a broader issue in Washington’s approach to Israel, noting that attempts to appease Israel only lead to further demands and that Israel remains a key obstacle to a sustainable two-state solution.

Netanyahu announced on August 9 that Israel rejects the 15-point plan and that the IDF will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed. He acknowledged some American ideas were acceptable while others were not. In response, former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Robert Jordan described the peace council as "limping" due to Israel’s political climate complicating its work.

The peace council itself has not directly responded but a senior official involved in Gaza affairs insisted cooperation with Israel continues and that separate talks with Hamas are ongoing. The Trump administration dismissed claims that Netanyahu’s statements harmed the process, attributing them to election rhetoric. A White House source told Politico Netanyahu’s remarks were aimed at his domestic audience and emphasized that on-the-ground cooperation with the peace council remains genuine.

Trump declined to comment directly on Netanyahu’s refusal but promised a forthcoming response. Meanwhile, European diplomats warn that the dispute over Gaza could erode broader confidence in Trump’s Middle East influence, especially amid tensions with Iran and Hezbollah. One European diplomat said the solution is not as close as expected and that Trump is losing credibility amid a stagnant and uncertain situation affecting all parties involved.