Here we go again - Netanyahu 'does not agree' and misrepresents peace plan in interview directly following press conference with Donald Trump at the White House

Netanyahu’s Video Statement Sparks Controversy Over Trump Plan for Gaza

JERUSALEM — In a video statement released Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the proposed Trump plan for Gaza would permit the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to maintain a presence in the region while explicitly ruling out Palestinian statehood. The remarks have ignited debate, with critics arguing that Netanyahu’s interpretation misrepresents key elements of the plan.Netanyahu’s comments center on a framework attributed to former U.S. President Donald Trump, which has been floated as a potential roadmap for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In his statement, the prime minister emphasized that the plan would ensure Israel’s security by allowing the IDF to remain in Gaza indefinitely, while dismissing the possibility of a Palestinian state. “This plan secures our interests and ensures that a Palestinian state will not emerge,” Netanyahu declared, framing the proposal as a victory for Israeli sovereignty.

However, analysts and Palestinian officials have pointed to a key provision in the Trump plan—specifically, point 19—that appears to contradict Netanyahu’s claims. The clause states that, following the redevelopment of Gaza and successful reforms by the Palestinian Authority, “conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognize as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.” This language suggests an openness to Palestinian statehood under specific conditions, directly challenging Netanyahu’s assertion that the plan rules it out entirely.

Palestinian Authority spokesperson Mahmoud Abbas Jr. condemned Netanyahu’s remarks as a “deliberate distortion” of the proposal, accusing the Israeli leader of undermining peace efforts. “The Trump plan, while imperfect, acknowledges our people’s right to self-determination. Netanyahu’s misrepresentation is an attempt to sabotage any hope for a negotiated resolution,” Abbas said in a statement.

Israeli opposition leaders also criticized the prime minister, accusing him of cherry-picking elements of the plan to appeal to his hardline base ahead of upcoming elections. “Netanyahu is playing politics with a sensitive issue, ignoring the plan’s broader context,” said Yair Lapid, leader of the Yesh Atid party. “The Trump plan isn’t perfect, but it at least opens a door to dialogue.”

Netanyahu’s office has not yet responded to requests for clarification on his remarks. Meanwhile, the controversy has reignited tensions in the region, with protests reported in Ramallah and Gaza City. As the international community watches closely, questions remain about whether the Trump plan—or any framework—can bridge the deepening divide between Israeli and Palestinian aspirations.

17GEN4.com