Western diplomats: Netanyahu's rejection of the Gaza plan undermines Trump's influence
US allies are watching with concern the controversy surrounding the 15-point plan for the Gaza Strip, fearing its implications for American diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
Several diplomats and officials familiar with American policy in the region told Politico that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rejection of the 15-point plan for the Gaza Strip raises doubts about the US's ability to exert pressure on Israel. According to them, it is becoming increasingly clear that Washington either lacks the necessary leverage to secure an agreement in Gaza or is unwilling to use it.
"The rejection of the peace plan by Netanyahu carries significant implications for regional stability in the long term and for Israel's security," said an Arab diplomat familiar with American policy in the region. "President Donald Trump is the only one who has the potential to influence this situation. He can try to re-establish his political relevance by exerting pressure on Netanyahu to reconsider his position."
The Trump administration rejects these claims, attributing Netanyahu's statements to election-related considerations. "In general, we view this as Bibi's election rhetoric for the audience in Israel," an administration official emphasized. "The Peace Council is experiencing real cooperation on the ground, and that is what matters."
Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel rejects the 15-point plan, clarifying that the IDF will not carry out any withdrawal before a real dismantling of Hamas's weapons. Despite this public opposition, officials in the Peace Council told N12 that Israel is actually continuing to implement the plan in practice. Peace Council CEO Nickolay Mladenov clarified that Israel will not be required to withdraw before progress is made in disarmament: "No one is required to do anything before the steps are implemented on the ground."
Meanwhile, European officials warn that the dispute over Gaza could damage broader trust in Trump's ability to influence the Middle East, particularly against the backdrop of the war with Iran and the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
