Netanyahu Rejects Palestinian Statehood and Affirms IDF Will Remain in Gaza Despite Endorsing Trump's Peace Plan

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would maintain a presence in "most parts of the Gaza Strip," even after giving his approval to the peace plan put forth by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Writing on his Telegram channel, Netanyahu outlined Israel's priorities: "We will bring back all our hostages, alive and well, while the [IDF] will remain in most parts of the Gaza Strip."

Regarding his discussions with President Trump at the White House, Netanyahu stressed that he had not agreed to the establishment of a Palestinian state. He stated unequivocally: "We made it completely clear that we are strongly opposed to a Palestinian state." He further solidified his rejectionist stance: "We will oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state, because that would be tantamount to rewarding terrorism."

Netanyahu profusely praised the U.S. President's proposed plan to end the conflict in Gaza in a video statement delivered from Washington. In a video posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Netanyahu described the visit as "historic." He highlighted his success in shifting the political narrative, saying: "Instead of Hamas isolating us, we turned things around, and we succeeded in isolating them." He emphasized the current goal of leveraging global pressure: "Now, the entire world is pressuring Hamas to accept the terms we set with Trump, in order to return all the captives."

Concerning the future administration of the Strip, Netanyahu had insisted late Monday that the Palestinian Authority (PA) would have no role in Gaza "without a fundamental change." During a joint press conference with Trump, Netanyahu clarified that Gaza would have "a civilian and peaceful administration led by neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority." Addressing Trump, he added: "Regarding the Palestinian Authority, I appreciate your firm stance that it will have no role in Gaza without it undergoing a real, radical, and genuine transformation."

It is noteworthy that the White House's announcement of the plan stated that: "If both parties agree to this proposal, the war will end immediately. Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed line in preparation for the release of the hostages. During this period, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will cease, and the fighting lines will remain frozen until the conditions for a full withdrawal are met in stages." Netanyahu's position confirms his intent to maintain a military foothold despite the plan's provision for withdrawal.