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Israel’s Gantz backs Trump’s Gaza proposal, urging Netanyahu to seize ‘tremendous opportunity’
Israel’s Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz has called Trump’s proposal to end the war in Gaza a “tremendous opportunity”, adding to domestic pressure on Netanyahu not to scupper the deal. He outlined two conditions Israel must secure for the deal to proceed.
In a post on X, the opposition politician said: “We must stand by it on two principles uncompromisingly: First – all the hostages return at the beginning of the path. This is the most urgent matter. Second – Israel maintains freedom of security action and does not entrust its security in the hands of a third party.
“This outline could have been reached long ago – and better late than never,” he added.
Israel’s Smotrich outlines Gaza ‘red lines’ before Netanyahu-Trump meeting
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has joined several prominent figures from across the political establishment who have weighed in with their thoughts on Trump’s plan for Gaza, as he gears up for a crunch meeting with Netanyahu this evening.
In a post on X, Smotrich wished Netanyahu “great success” but shared the contours of a deal he could back:
- A complete exit of Hamas from Gaza and a dismantling of the infrastructure it has built to sustain itself above and below ground.
- The Israeli army remains at Gaza’s perimeter, maintains an occupation of the so-called Philadelphi Corridor along the border with Egypt, which is its only outlet to the outside world not connected to Israel, and retains freedom of operation in the territory.
- The Palestinian Authority, which has been touted by some to replace Hamas, should not be allowed to administer Gaza.
- There should be “no mention whatsoever” of a Palestinian state. “The idea of a Palestinian state must be taken off the table forever.”
- Smotrich said he opposes the involvement of Qatar in Gaza.
- Those who wish to leave the Gaza Strip should be permitted to do so.
Bank of Israel sounds alarm on economic effect of growing isolation
The Bank of Israel has kept short-term interest rates unchanged, citing Israel’s push deeper into Gaza along with persistent inflation, while warning of the effect of the country’s growing global isolation.
In a news conference after the decision, Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron cautioned that Israel’s deteriorating reputation over Gaza could damage trade, foreign investment and the economy as a whole.
“Israel depends to a considerable extent on its participation in the global economy,” Yaron said. “Therefore, Israel must do all that it can to strengthen its international standing, and thus ensure that the economy is open.”
Yaron warned that the continuation of the conflict would lead to further supply constraints and weigh on recovery. “As a direct result, growth would be lower, the budget deficit would expand, and the paths of inflation and the interest rate would be higher,” he said.
