The White House is playing down Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s public rejection of parts of a US-backed Gaza roadmap, viewing his position largely through the lens of "Israel’s" election campaign as Washington simultaneously presses Israeli officials to wind down military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.
Axios reported Sunday that a senior US official said the White House “is not bothered” by Netanyahu’s latest comments on the Gaza plan and considers them part of the Israeli election season.
“We understand Bibi's political needs. We have no problem with it as long as he continues to do what we ask - especially regarding restraining attacks in Gaza,” the US official told Axios.
The remarks suggest Washington is drawing a distinction between Netanyahu’s public rhetoric and "Israel’s" actions on the ground, with the administration appearing prepared to tolerate his opposition to elements of the plan provided Israeli forces comply with US demands for restraint in Gaza.
Netanyahu rejects 15-point Gaza roadmap
Netanyahu said Sunday that "Israel does not accept the 15-point document" endorsed by US President Donald Trump’s "Board of Peace," maintaining that Israeli forces would not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas had been fully disarmed.
The position puts Netanyahu at odds with the roadmap, which envisages Hamas disarmament and an Israeli withdrawal taking place gradually and alongside one another.
According to Axios, Netanyahu spoke last week with Trump’s envoy and son-in-law Jared Kushner and expressed skepticism that Hamas would surrender its weapons. Nevertheless, he reportedly agreed to give the 15-point initiative an opportunity to proceed while limiting Israeli attacks and keeping troops from advancing beyond the "Yellow Line".
The "Yellow Line" separates Israeli-controlled territory from areas where Palestinians are permitted to move and currently encompasses around 70% of the Gaza Strip
Source:Websites
