Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, citing partial alignment with Israel’s negotiating positions. The decision comes as both leaders face critical elections in the coming weeks—Netanyahu on October 27 and Trump in the U.S. midterms on November 3.
The Board of Peace’s plan, announced on July 30, outlined a framework for Hamas to disarm and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to withdraw from Gaza. Governance of Gaza would transition to a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, a transitional body composed of independent Palestinian officials. Netanyahu’s government has engaged in discussions with the U.S. but has indicated that only some elements of the plan are acceptable.
A senior U.S. official, speaking to Axios on condition of anonymity, linked Netanyahu’s rejection to his domestic political needs, including pressure from right-wing coalition partners. The White House has not issued a formal response to the rejection, though U.S. support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Washington’s broader Middle East strategy—including the February joint U.S.-Israel strikes against Iran—has seen declining public approval.
Reactions and Political Context
The rejection has raised questions about the feasibility of the plan and the timing of its announcement. Yossi Mekelberg, a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House’s Middle East and North Africa Program, told Newsweek that the U.S. may have overlooked Netanyahu’s domestic constraints when proposing the plan. "It makes the administration look weak and basically clueless because what we know now about Netanyahu's political hardships is not new," Mekelberg stated. "So why publish a plan just to say, 'Oh, now we accept the rejection of it because it's a sensitive time?'"
Trump has framed the plan as a "historic breakthrough", emphasizing its potential to end the war in Gaza. However, Netanyahu’s government has signaled that only select provisions align with Israel’s security priorities. The plan’s proposed governance structure for Gaza—transferring authority to a transitional committee—has not been publicly endorsed by Hamas or other Palestinian factions.
Election Timelines and Strategic Implications
Netanyahu’s rejection occurs amid escalating domestic pressure in Israel, where his coalition government faces criticism over the prolonged conflict in Gaza and economic strain. His political opponents have accused him of prioritizing electoral strategy over substantive peace negotiations. Meanwhile, Trump’s administration has sought to distance itself from the rejection, with no immediate policy shifts announced.
Analysts note that the rejection could complicate U.S.-Israel relations ahead of the elections, particularly among American voters who have grown skeptical of the administration’s Middle East policies. Polling cited by Newsweek suggests declining support for both leaders’ approaches to the conflict, with growing disillusionment over the trajectory of Trump’s electoral promises of peace.
Background: The Board of Peace’s Proposal
The 15-point plan includes the following key elements:
- Hamas disarmament and the release of hostages held in Gaza.
- IDF withdrawal from Gaza, with phased redeployment.
- Transition to a Palestinian-led governance committee for Gaza, composed of independent officials.
- International oversight to ensure compliance with the agreement.
The plan was presented as a comprehensive framework to end hostilities, though its implementation hinges on the consent of all parties involved. Hamas has not publicly responded to the plan, and Israel has not committed to its terms beyond partial engagement in discussions.
Ongoing Developments
The rejection does not preclude future negotiations, as both sides continue to assess the plan’s viability. The U.S. has not indicated whether it will revise the proposal or pursue alternative diplomatic avenues. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s government remains focused on securing its political position ahead of the October election, while Trump’s administration navigates domestic and international reactions to the rejection.