Western Diplomats Warn Netanyahu’s Rejection of Gaza Plan Undermines Trump’s Regional Influence

Western diplomats and officials familiar with U.S. Middle East policy 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 broader regional dynamics. According to sources cited by Politico on August 12, 2026, Washington appears either unable or unwilling to apply sufficient pressure on Israel to advance a new status quo in Gaza, raising doubts about the effectiveness of U.S. diplomatic efforts in the region.

An Arab diplomat noted that Trump remains the only figure with potential leverage to reshape the situation by pressuring Netanyahu to reconsider his stance. However, a Western diplomat suggested Netanyahu’s actions reflect a deeper problem in Washington’s strategy toward Israel, emphasizing that appeasing Israel only leads to further demands and that Israel remains a significant obstacle to a sustainable two-state solution.

Netanyahu announced on August 9 that Israel rejects the 15-point plan and that the Israel Defense Forces will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed. He characterized the American proposals as partially acceptable but asserted Israel’s readiness to resist unfavorable measures. In response, former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Robert Jordan described the peace council as currently "limping," citing Israel’s political climate as a complicating factor.

Despite Netanyahu’s public rejection, officials within the peace council and the Trump administration maintain that cooperation on the ground continues. A peace council representative stated that discussions with Hamas and Israel are ongoing, and a White House source dismissed Netanyahu’s comments as election rhetoric aimed at domestic audiences. President Trump declined to comment directly on Netanyahu’s refusal but promised a forthcoming response.

European diplomats warn that the dispute over Gaza could undermine broader confidence in Trump’s capacity to manage Middle East challenges, including the Iran conflict and tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. One European diplomat remarked that the solution is not as close as anticipated and that Trump is losing credibility amid a stagnant and uncertain situation affecting all stakeholders.