Netanyahu Defies Trump-Backed Gaza Ceasefire, Clings to Militarism Amid Election Pressure
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again rejected international calls for peace, refusing President Donald Trump’s cease-fire plan and insisting on continued occupation of Gaza until Hamas is disarmed, as he panders to far-right elements ahead of elections.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel will not retreat from any of the roughly 60% of Gaza it currently controls until Hamas is completely disarmed, rejecting President Donald Trump’s latest cease-fire proposal. This plan, introduced by Trump last month, offered a path toward peace: gradual disarmament of Hamas in exchange for halting Israeli attacks, deploying international peacekeepers, and rebuilding the devastated enclave. Netanyahu’s hardline stance, however, leaves these crucial steps for peace in limbo and further strains the already fragile relationship with the U.S. president, whom Netanyahu has opportunistically called a close ally when convenient.
The Trump-led Board of Peace, overseeing the cease-fire effort, reported “some results on the ground in the last few days,” including a reduction in Israeli strikes and “constructive cooperation behind the scenes.” Yet, the Israeli military has remained silent on whether it has actually limited its destructive operations, raising questions about the sincerity of any de-escalation.
Netanyahu’s rejection comes as he campaigns for re-election in less than three months, boasting about Israel’s military gains since the October 7 attacks while ignoring mounting criticism over the endless conflict and the appalling civilian casualties in Gaza. His far-right Likud coalition partners have cheered the decision, exposing the cynical political calculations of a leader whose grip on power depends on perpetuating violence and occupation.
Trump, facing his own political pressures to appear as a peacemaker ahead of U.S. congressional elections, has hinted at supporting Netanyahu but has stopped short of full endorsement. Observers note the once-cozy relationship between the two right-wing leaders has soured as U.S. policy shifts—albeit slowly—toward de-escalation, especially concerning Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
Experts highlight that Netanyahu’s long history of defying U.S. presidents, including Democrats, now carries greater risk. Israel’s diplomatic options are shrinking, and its traditional support among Democratic voters is eroding, a reality Netanyahu seems willing to ignore for political survival. Yohanan Plesner of the Israel Democracy Institute warned that Israeli voters could punish Netanyahu if he is seen as jeopardizing the vital U.S.-Israel relationship for his own political gain.