With the Iran war in the rearview mirror, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are reportedly working on an ambitious plan to resolve many of the region’s ongoing conflicts and reshape the Middle East in one sweeping move.
Israel Hayom reported on Thursday that Trump, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Netanyahu and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer shared what was described as an “enthusiastic” phone call shortly after the U.S. strikes on the Iranian nuclear sites.
Their optimism stemmed not just from the success in the Iran campaign but also from their agreement on a broad, multi-phased plan intended to be implemented immediately thereafter.
In response, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) denied the conversation had taken place or that the proposal described by the report had been offered or agreed to.
The first step, according to Israel Hayom, citing “informed sources,” is the rapid conclusion of the Gaza War within two weeks.
The plan is said to include the release of all Israeli hostages, the exile of Hamas leadership, and the administration of the Gaza Strip by Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and two other, as yet unnamed, Arab countries.
Gazan citizens who wish to emigrate will be given the opportunity to relocate to various countries that have expressed willingness to receive them.
The main obstacle for this crucial first step is Hamas. Despite a new push for negotiations with the terror group, there have been no reports of any progress, and Hamas continues to reject exile and disarmament while demanding a guaranteed end to the war in any agreement.
If this step is implemented, Israel would declare its principal willingness for the establishment of a Palestinian state, contingent upon real reforms within the Palestinian Authority, which the United States has been pushing for since the start of the war.
In return, the U.S. would recognize Israeli sovereignty over parts of Judea and Samaria.
Israel’s declaration would fulfill the main condition of Saudi Arabia for joining the Abraham Accords, and the plan envisions several other countries, including Syria, normalizing relations with Israel as well.
The plan hinges on several points, most importantly, the agreement of Hamas. In addition, Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition partners are not likely to agree to any recognition of a Palestinian state.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich already signaled his disapproval and threatened to quit the government following the report, as well as a short video statement by Netanyahu that appeared to confirm, at least, its general content.
The “great victory” against Iran, “opens an opportunity for a dramatic expansion of the peace agreements. We are working vigorously on that,” Netanyahu said.
“Along with the release of our hostages and the defeat of Hamas, there is a window of opportunity here that must not be wasted,” he added.
Smotrich said he would support expanding the Abraham Accords, but “if this is a shiny cover for an existential threat in the form of dividing the country, handing over territory to the enemy, and establishing a Palestinian terrorist state… then no, thank you.”
“Mr. Prime Minister, let it be clear that you have no mandate. Not even for a hint or lip service,” he wrote.





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