Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has placed his political credibility on the line by backing former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed 20-point peace plan for Gaza. While the move offers him the chance to regain diplomatic footing abroad, it also threatens to deepen rifts within his already fragile governing coalition at home.
The Trump plan, unveiled earlier this week, calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas, the gradual disarmament of militant groups, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. The blueprint also outlines the establishment of a transitional governance mechanism with international oversight, designed to lay the groundwork for eventual Palestinian self-determination. For Netanyahu, embracing the plan signals a strategic realignment with Washington at a time when Israel faces mounting criticism over the drawn-out Gaza war.
Despite voicing support, Netanyahu has attached strict conditions: Israel will maintain security control over Gaza, Hamas will be permanently excluded from political life, and no automatic recognition of Palestinian statehood will follow. These caveats allow Netanyahu to project flexibility to international partners while reassuring domestic allies that Israel’s red lines remain intact. Analysts say the prime minister views this as an opportunity to reframe himself from a wartime leader under siege to a statesman steering Israel toward stability under U.S. guidance.
However, Netanyahu’s gamble carries substantial risks. Far-right ministers, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have openly rejected any plan hinting at concessions. They accuse Netanyahu of jeopardizing Israel’s security and sovereignty by entertaining a ceasefire and international oversight. With coalition politics delicately balanced, Netanyahu must navigate between keeping extremist allies on board and preventing his government from collapsing. So far, he has avoided formally submitting the plan for cabinet approval, framing his support primarily around the urgent issue of securing hostage releases.
The international community has largely welcomed the U.S.-led initiative. The European Union and several Arab states described the plan as a realistic basis for negotiations, urging all sides to seize the opportunity for peace. For Washington, Netanyahu’s endorsement is seen as critical for lending credibility to Trump’s efforts. Yet skepticism lingers. Hamas leaders have dismissed the proposal as biased toward Israel, calling it a repackaged form of occupation that denies Palestinians meaningful sovereignty.
On the Israeli street, the response is mixed. Families of hostages see the plan as a potential breakthrough, while war-weary citizens increasingly demand an end to months of bloodshed. On the other hand, nationalist groups have staged protests, denouncing what they describe as “diplomatic surrender.” With public trust already eroded by prolonged conflict, Netanyahu’s political survival may depend on how convincingly he balances these competing pressures.
For Netanyahu, the Trump plan represents both an opening and a trap. Should the plan succeed in securing hostages and easing international pressure, he could reclaim lost stature on the world stage. But failure to manage domestic opposition or a Hamas rejection that derails the process could further erode his fragile coalition and spark calls for early elections. In this high-stakes moment, Netanyahu is wagering that a U.S.-backed roadmap will revive his leadership. Yet the gamble may prove as perilous at home as it is promising abroad.