Netanyahu rejects Gaza plan, in new break from Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a US-led Gaza peace plan endorsed by Hamas, distancing himself from President Donald Trump as he gears up for elections. The 15-point document, which Netanyahu described as unacceptable, requires Israel to disarm Hamas completely before any withdrawal. Despite Trump's praise for the deal, Netanyahu has expressed his disagreement with the US leader.

Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader, is currently in a tight race for the October 27 elections. The Gaza plan is unpopular with Netanyahu's right-wing base, and some of his cabinet members have urged him to reject it. The US-backed Board of Peace, led by Nickolay Mladenov, defended the plan as a means to prevent a repeat of the Oct 7 Hamas attack.

Hamas, which initially supported the plan, is now urging the US to pressure Netanyahu. Despite the rejection, Israel appears to have reduced its military operations in Gaza since the deal was announced. Experts suggest Netanyahu may be relying on the US to shift its stance, while others are pessimistic about the prospects for the peace plan.