Expert: Netanyahu wants to attract voters with Gaza
Benjamin Netanyahu rejects the US peace plan for Gaza – a clear attempt by the Israeli prime minister to win support ahead of the election in October, according to Middle East expert Anders Persson.
– He appeals primarily to right-wing voters, many of whom are critical of agreeing to various types of Israeli concessions to Hamas in Gaza, says Persson, associate professor of political science at Linnaeus University.
At a government meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu stated that he is rejecting the 15-point document presented by Donald Trump's peace council. He also stated that Israel will not withdraw its forces from Gaza until Hamas has completely disarmed.
The White House has not yet commented on Netanyahu's statement.
– This could indicate that Netanyahu's public statement is coordinated with Trump, says Anders Persson.
No setback for Trump
In October last year, Trump presented a two-phase peace plan to reach a broader agreement on a ceasefire in Gaza. The plan is the only available diplomatic solution on the table, Anders Persson emphasizes.
However, the fact that Netanyahu is now rejecting it does not necessarily mean a setback for Trump's peace council.
– The last word has not been said on Gaza yet. Israel has shown the US that they have compromised on other points, says Persson.
Little risk of war
He points out that Netanyahu has accepted other parts of the Gaza plan, such as fewer attacks, the reconstruction of Palestinian areas in Rafah and the presence of international security forces in Gaza.
At the same time, Sunday's announcement could lead to the diplomatic work coming to a halt if Trump and Netanyahu do not get closer to each other.
The risk of a return to full-scale war in Gaza is assessed by Persson as small, but he does not rule out that the attacks could be escalated.
– This is Netanyahu's offer right now, but it could very well change.
Inga kommentarer:
Skicka en kommentar