Israel signals "concerns" over Trump's Gaza plan and insists on disarming Hamas

The points of the US plan

Trump presented the plan over the weekend as a "decisive step" toward reorganizing the Gaza Strip. "This agreement is a decisive step toward the Gaza Strip finally being governed by a new Palestinian government that will work closely with the peace council to help the Palestinian people. At the same time, Israel will receive the security it deserves," the US side stated.

From Israeli government circles, it was heard that the plan does contain positive elements but leaves central security questions unanswered. For instance, there is no clear arrangement for who will assume control over the border crossings and the airspace of the Gaza Strip.

The discussion comes at a time when international mediators are increasingly pressing for de-escalation. Arab states had also recently signaled that they would be willing to participate more strongly in reconstruction projects, provided a robust security concept is in place.

Reactions and state of negotiations

Spielman stressed that Israel does not want to break off dialogue with Washington. The country is in close contact with the US side and expects the concerns to be addressed in the coming days. At the same time, he warned against "rash commitments" that could undermine Israel's security.

On the Palestinian side, Hamas's stance is being watched closely. Observers interpret the willingness to talk as a tactical maneuver to avoid losing international support for reconstruction.

Outlook on the upcoming talks

The US government has so far been restrained in its response to the Israeli reservations. A spokesperson pointed out that both sides are engaged in "constructive" talks. Further rounds of negotiations are scheduled for the coming week.

It remains unclear which concrete changes Israel wants to push through in the text of the plan. If no agreement is reached, the initiative faces postponement; according to the US side, it is supposed to result within weeks in a draft for an international peace council.