”Potentially one of the greatest days in the history of civilization.” The US President Donald Trump did not mince words when he presented his peace plan at the White House on Monday, side by side with Netanyahu, who said he had approved the plan.
It includes, among other things, a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip "when the conditions are met".
One of the 20 points stipulates that a Palestinian state can be established when Gaza has been rebuilt and the Palestinian Authority has implemented the necessary reforms.
”Not in the agreement”
Shortly after the press conference, however, it sounded different from Netanyahu. In a video statement in Hebrew – apparently aimed at the home audience – he praises the plan, but claims that the conditions allow the Israeli military (IDF) to stay in Gaza.
Now the whole world, including the Arab and Muslim world, is pressing Hamas to accept the conditions that we created together with Trump, to get all the hostages – alive and dead – back while the IDF stays in the Gaza Strip.
The person filming asks if Netanyahu has agreed to the establishment of a Palestinian state, which the Prime Minister denies.
Absolutely not. It is not in the agreement.
Last-minute changes
We said that we strongly oppose a Palestinian state, he adds, and claims that Trump agrees that a Palestinian state would be an "enormous reward for terror".
According to The Times of Israel Netanyahu managed to get several changes made to the original, then 21-point, Gaza plan at the eleventh hour. Mainly regarding the scope of Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and Hamas' disarmament – two of the most sensitive issues in the protracted peace negotiations.
Hamas has repeatedly demanded a full Israeli withdrawal before the hostages are exchanged.
The extremist movement has not yet responded to the US plan, but Trump and Netanyahu are clear that they have no greater choice.
If Hamas rejects the agreement ... Bibi, you would have our full support to do what you need, Trump said at the White House.
