Source: Fortune
Summary
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a US-backed proposal for disarming Hamas, hardening his position after earlier voicing misgivings. The proposal, published by the Board of Peace, suggested a 15-point plan for disarmament and phased Israeli pullouts from Gaza. Netanyahu stated that Israel will not withdraw until Hamas is genuinely disarmed. Hamas has given a hedged consent to the plan, conditioning it on Israeli withdrawals and the creation of a Palestinian state.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story. Netanyahu’s rejection of the proposal comes as he faces reelection in October. The Israeli army has advanced beyond armistice lines against Hamas, and Netanyahu has pointed to Israel’s continued grip on Gaza as a lesser victory. Far-right ministers in his coalition have been upset by the proposal, calling it a “bloodshed map.” Netanyahu’s decision to reject the proposal may be seen as a nod to his coalition partners. The situation remains uncertain, with Hamas still undefeated and the US-backed proposal stalled.
Author: Evan Null
