What happened: Netanyahu rejects a U.S.-led Gaza proposal Hamas endorsed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a U.S.-led Gaza proposal that Hamas endorsed. The rejection increased distance between Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, even as Trump reportedly praised the Gaza proposal.

Netanyahu’s stated condition: no Gaza withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed

Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is genuinely disarmed. Netanyahu also stated that Israel will keep thwarting threats to Israeli forces and Israeli civilians.

Israeli domestic pressure: right-wing criticism and far-right cabinet demands

Netanyahu’s rejection was reported to come amid criticism from Netanyahu’s right-wing base. The dispute was also linked to demands from far-right allies in Netanyahu’s cabinet to kill the Gaza deal. The political timing is relevant because October elections are close, and polls are reported to show the Gaza proposal is unpopular with Netanyahu’s right-wing supporters.

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