Netanyahu Backs Trump-Led Gaza Plan,Vows to “Finish the Work” if Hamas Rejects
JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today voiced support for a new peace plan proposed by the American President,spearheaded by former President Donald Trump,that aims to end the conflict in Gaza. The President declared, “If the two parties accept this proposal, the war will end promptly.” However, Netanyahu together warned he is prepared to resume full-scale military operations should Hamas reject the terms.
the plan, detailed by the White House, calls for an immediate cessation of all military operations – including air and artillery bombardments – and a freeze on current battle lines, to facilitate the release of hostages. Within sixty-two hours of public acceptance by Israel, all hostages, both alive and deceased, are to be returned in exchange for the release of 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, and also 1,700 Gazans detained after October 7, 2023, and the remains of 15 Gazans.
A key component of the proposal involves the establishment of a “Technocratic and apolitical Palestinian Committee” to govern Gaza, excluding Hamas, under the supervision of a “Peace Committee” chaired by Donald Trump and including British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The White House explicitly stated, “Hamas and other factions will agree to play no role in the governance of Gaza, directly, indirectly or in any other way,” and that “Any military, terrorist or offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons manufacturing facilities, will be destroyed and cannot be rebuilt,” enacting a “Demilitarization” of the Islamist movement.
The plan also outlines the deployment of an international stabilization force, in coordination with “Arab and international partners,” to support and train “Approved Palestinian police forces,” consulting with Jordan and Egypt.
Despite the commitment to reconstruction and offering opportunities for Gazans to ”stay and build a better Gaza,” Netanyahu signaled a hardline stance. Sources close to the Prime Minister confirmed he believes the plan offers a pathway to a lasting resolution, but stressed his determination to achieve Israel’s security objectives. “Israel supports the President’s initiative,” a statement from Netanyahu’s office read, ”but we are prepared to ‘finish the work’ if Hamas rejects this possibility for peace and continues to pose a threat to our citizens.”
The White House indicated that, contingent on progress in reconstruction and the reformation of the Palestinian Authority, “the conditions may finally be met to allow a credible path to self-determination and the creation of a Palestinian state,” recognizing a “Legitimate aspiration of the Palestinian people” and aiming for a “Pacific and prosperous coexistence” through future dialog.
