Netanyahu Faces Major Concessions in Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly preparing to make “painful and significant” concessions as part of a ceasefire plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to Israeli television’s Channel 12, these concessions would contradict several of Israel’s recent policy positions, particularly regarding the role of the Palestinian Authority in the postwar governance of the Gaza Strip.

The proposed U.S. plan envisions a gradual expansion of the Palestinian Authority’s governing powers following a transitional period overseen by an international body. Netanyahu has consistently rejected any involvement of the Palestinian Authority, asserting that Israel must maintain control over Gaza after the conflict concludes.

Established in 1994 under the Oslo Accords, the Palestinian Authority is led by Mahmoud Abbas and is recognized internationally as the governing body of the Palestinian territories. However, its authority has been limited primarily to parts of the West Bank since it lost control of Gaza to Hamas following the 2006 Palestinian elections.

The full details of Trump’s peace plan, which includes 21 specific facets, were disclosed on Saturday by the Times of Israel. The plan aims to create a pathway toward potential Palestinian statehood, while explicitly excluding Hamas from any governing structure.

Transitional Governance and International Oversight

The proposed governance model includes a transitional government that would be responsible for day-to-day services under the supervision of a newly established international body. This arrangement is intended to continue until the Palestinian Authority implements a necessary reform program. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been mentioned as a potential interim administrator for this transitional government.

According to the Times of Israel, the Israeli Defense Forces are expected to gradually withdraw from Gaza as part of this plan. Notably, it allows individuals who have left Gaza to return, marking a significant shift from previous discussions in February, where the focus was on temporarily relocating Palestinians.

Trump presented this plan to allies during a meeting at the United Nations on March 3, 2020. However, the complete scope of the proposal has not yet been fully communicated to Hamas. The United States is reportedly exerting “heavy pressure” on Qatar to facilitate Hamas’s participation in the negotiations.

Washington believes that gaining the support of Arab nations, which is crucial for pressuring Hamas to release Israeli hostages, will be contingent on some form of involvement from the Palestinian Authority, as reported by Channel 12.

Upcoming Meeting at the White House

Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump on Monday, March 9, 2020, at the White House to discuss the details of this ceasefire plan and its implications for the future of Israeli-Palestinian relations. As both leaders navigate these complex negotiations, the international community watches closely, with hopes for a lasting resolution to the conflict in Gaza.