Is Israel really ready to withdraw from Gaza? | Israel-Palestine conflict News
Trump Claims Victory as Hamas Agrees to Disarmament in Gaza
President Donald Trump expressed optimism following Hamas’s announcement on Thursday that the Palestinian group would surrender its weaponry in Gaza. However, the disarmament agreement includes stipulations for an Israeli withdrawal from the area and a gradual transfer of authority to a Palestinian administration. This aspect has received a lukewarm response from Israeli officials and the media.
While the Israeli government has not issued an official statement, an unnamed senior Israeli official conveyed skepticism about the agreement on Friday. The official emphasized that there would be no withdrawal from Gaza until Israel determines that Hamas has genuinely disarmed.
Trump claimed that Israel is “very happy” with the agreement, though many Israelis maintain a hardline stance towards Palestinians, particularly in light of the October 7 attack by Hamas that claimed numerous Israeli lives. This incident escalated into a conflict that has resulted in the deaths of more than 73,000 Palestinians in Gaza.
A poll conducted in May indicated that 82% of Jewish Israelis supported the forcible expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza, while another poll found that 64% believed there were “no innocents” among the Palestinian population in the enclave. Prominent Israeli politicians have suggested that illegal Jewish settlements that resemble those in the West Bank may soon be established in Gaza.
As a result, the idea of conceding to a disarmament agreement and facilitating Gaza’s reconstruction is viewed unfavorably by many Israelis. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the deal as “unacceptable,” arguing on social media that halting actions against Hamas would allow the group to prepare for future attacks.
Skepticism extends beyond right-wing politicians. Former military chief and Netanyahu’s political rival Gadi Eisenkot criticized any deal falling short of dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities. He underscored the need to ensure that Hamas does not regain its strength.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet publicly commented on the agreement. According to political analyst Dahlia Scheindlin, he faces significant challenges with elections looming in October. Winning the upcoming election may be crucial for Netanyahu, particularly as he contends with ongoing corruption charges.
Polling indicates that Netanyahu’s opposition may gain enough seats to form a government, increasing pressure on him to align with popular sentiments while balancing international expectations, particularly from the United States.
Despite the complexities surrounding the disarmament agreement, experts believe that Netanyahu may attempt to placate U.S. interests without enacting substantial changes in Gaza. Speculation suggests he may choose to maintain current military positions, thereby demonstrating compliance without conceding ground.
As political dynamics shift, Netanyahu is likely to face scrutiny from both allies and adversaries regarding his responses to the agreement. The challenge lies in maintaining support from his far-right coalition while addressing American diplomatic relations, which have shown signs of strain in recent months.
