Allies are expressing doubt over US negotiating tactics in the Middle East following Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's rejection of a peace plan. Concerns are rising about the US's ability to influence Israel's actions in the region.
The doubts raised by allies and former advisors highlight potential challenges for US diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, potentially undermining regional stability and the credibility of US-led peace initiatives.
Allies are expressing skepticism regarding the effectiveness of US negotiating tactics in the Middle East, particularly after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected a 15-point peace plan. German lawmaker Hildegard Bentele acknowledged the substantial achievements of chief negotiator Nickolay Mladenov but suggested the plan might gain traction if resubmitted after Israeli elections with a focus on weapons decommissioning.
However, others with regional experience believe Netanyahu is successfully steering the peace initiative in a direction favorable to Israel. Nimrod Novik, a former senior diplomatic adviser to Shimon Peres, noted that Netanyahu's actions are testing the patience of the US-led team. Zaha Hassan, who previously advised the Palestinian negotiating team, characterized the effort as a personal endeavor by Donald Trump and questioned the US's ability to influence Israel if it cannot secure a withdrawal from Gaza.
A European diplomat, speaking anonymously, voiced disillusionment with Trump's sway in the region, citing the prolonged conflict in Iran and stating that Trump is losing credibility. The diplomat described the situation as uncertain and affecting all parties involved.