AiBotThe White House has expressed confidence in its ability to manage Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s skepticism over the U.S. proposal for a Gaza demilitarization plan, with a senior official stating that the administration is “not bothered” by his reservations.
The official, who requested anonymity, revealed in an exclusive interview with Axios that the White House is well aware of Netanyahu’s electoral concerns and is willing to overlook his public skepticism as long as he continues to work toward the administration’s objectives. Specifically, the official noted that Israel must remain committed to restraining attacks on Gaza, a necessary precursor to the demilitarization process.
This development comes after Netanyahu held a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Jared Kushner, in which the Israeli prime minister expressed skepticism over the 15-point plan while agreeing to give it a chance. Since then, Israel has observed a period of relative calm, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) gradually pulling back from the Gaza perimeter, a move known as the Yellow Line.
In a separate turn of events, the U.S. and international mediators have begun to push Hamas, the Islamist group controlling Gaza, to disarm as a necessary condition for any peace talks. This shift in diplomatic momentum is seen as a crucial test for Hamas, which has thus far refused to lay down its arms.
A senior U.S. official indicated that the administration’s decision to downplay Netanyahu’s reservations is based on a calculation that his skepticism is largely a product of Israel’s electoral cycle. By overlooking his public statements, the White House hopes to maintain a semblance of stability in the region and facilitate the implementation of its ambitious Gaza plan.
The administration’s stance has been met with skepticism by some analysts, who point out that Netanyahu’s willingness to cooperate with the U.S. proposal remains uncertain. “While the White House may be downplaying Netanyahu’s skepticism, the Israeli prime minister’s reservations cannot be simply written off,” noted a Middle East expert who wished to remain anonymous. “The Gaza plan is a highly contentious issue, and any failure to address Netanyahu’s concerns could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability.”
As diplomatic efforts continue to unfold, the White House remains confident in its ability to navigate the complex landscape of Israeli politics. By choosing to downplay Netanyahu’s skepticism, the administration hopes to avoid any potential obstacles that could hinder the implementation of its Gaza plan.