The latest developments suggest that the disagreement between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Gaza is becoming increasingly visible.
Although Netanyahu has firmly rejected the new Board of Peace plan aimed at disarming Hamas in Gaza, his position may not necessarily be final.
According to reports, the White House is not particularly concerned about Netanyahu’s statement and views it as campaign rhetoric ahead of a potentially tough Israeli election.
Israeli journalist Barak Ravid, citing a senior US official, reported that Washington understands Netanyahu’s political requirements.
The official reportedly said that the US has no problem with Netanyahu’s political stance as long as he continues to follow Washington’s instructions, particularly regarding limiting Israeli attacks in Gaza.
There has reportedly been a pause or reduction in Israeli attacks on Gaza in recent days. This was one of the key demands made by Hamas when it agreed to the US-backed 15-point roadmap.
Another indication that Israel may be prepared to support Trump’s Gaza peace plan is the preparation for the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF).
The proposed force would consist of international troops and is expected to work alongside a new Palestinian police force to provide security in Gaza.
According to Israel’s public broadcaster Kan News, construction of the first ISF base among the ruins of Rafah in southern Gaza is expected to begin later this month. This could eventually pave the way for the reconstruction of Gaza.
