Key facts
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected a US-backed plan for Gaza.
- The US-backed plan reportedly included Hamas disarming.
- Reports indicated Netanyahu had previously consented to pilot withdrawal details.
- The rejection is seen as a move to appease domestic allies.
- An upcoming election is a factor in Netanyahu's decision.
- The decision risks straining relations with the United States.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly announced his rejection of a US-backed proposal for Gaza. The plan reportedly included provisions for Hamas to disarm. This public stance contrasts with earlier reports suggesting Netanyahu had given prior consent to specific details regarding a pilot withdrawal from Gaza. The Prime Minister's decision is widely interpreted as a strategic political move designed to satisfy his domestic allies, particularly as an upcoming election approaches. This action carries the risk of creating friction and straining the relationship between Israel and the United States.