Netanyahu Rejects Palestinian State in Gaza Plan Amid US Proposal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a visit to the United States delivered a video address that appeared on Telegram, outlining statements about a plan for Gaza developed jointly with Donald Trump. He noted that the IDF would remain predominantly in a large part of Gaza, and emphasized that Israel “absolutely did not” agree to a Palestinian state.

Main statements by Netanyahu regarding the plan for Gaza

This was a historic trip. Instead of Hamas isolating us, we turned the tables and isolated Hamas. Now the whole world, including the Arab and Islamic world, is pressuring Hamas to accept the conditions we jointly presented with President Trump: release all of our hostages – alive and dead – while the IDF remains in the majority of the territory.

Absolutely not, and this is also not in the agreement. But one thing we said: we firmly oppose a Palestinian state. President Trump also said this; he understands our position. He also stated at the UN that such a move would be a huge reward for terrorism and a threat to the existence of the State of Israel. And of course, we will not agree.

The finance minister in the right-wing coalition, Bezalel Smotrich, called the proposed plan a loud diplomatic failure.

In my assessment, this will also end in tears. Our children will have to fight in Gaza again.

Analysts note that the proposed U.S. plan could offer a chance to reduce tensions and perhaps end the conflict in Gaza, but its real viability will depend on concrete steps by both sides and a willingness to negotiate over the future governance of the enclave.