Month: September 2025

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returns home from Washington, he faces a country – and a government – deeply split over the latest proposed peace deal brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The plan, which has dominated headlines since its announcement, has triggered both praise and outrage across the political spectrum. Within Netanyahu’s own cabinet, anger is palpable. Two of his most hardline ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, have publicly condemned the prime minister’s apology to Qatar for the airstrike on Doha earlier this month. Ben-Gvir, leader of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, called the attack “an important, just and supremely moral” act, claiming that “Qatar supports, funds and incites terrorism.” Smotrich went further, likening Netanyahu to Neville Chamberlain, accusing him of “grovelling” and calling the apology a “disgrace.” Their fierce reaction raises questions about the stability of Netanyahu’s coalition. Can they remain in the same government? And if not, how long before the government falls? While a collapse of the current coalition may not derail the peace initiative – which is expected to gain enough support in the Knesset through opposition parties – it could trigger a new election cycle. That would set the stage for Netanyahu to recast himself as the leader who secured a hostage deal, while opponents would hold him accountable for the events of October 7. Despite the internal turmoil, the plan has been positively received in some quarters. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has voiced support, as has the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. Across the Arab world, leaders have cautiously welcomed the plan, though most have credited Trump rather than Netanyahu. But Hamas, the key party holding Israeli hostages, was reportedly not consulted before the announcement. Their immediate reaction was telling: the plan lacks legitimacy in their eyes if it does not address Palestinian self-determination—something the current proposal notably excludes. That omission may prove critical. For the Israeli public, the return of the hostages is paramount. Without Hamas’s cooperation, that outcome remains in doubt. And without guarantees on the political future of Palestinians, Hamas is unlikely to engage. The plan’s governance element—reportedly involving a leadership role for former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair in Gaza—has also drawn scorn from Palestinian leaders. “Tony Blair is a war criminal who should be in The Hague, not Gaza,” said longtime Palestinian politician Mustafa Barghouti. That sentiment is echoed across much of the Palestinian political landscape, casting further doubt on the plan’s viability on the ground. Among Israeli officials, reactions range from wary optimism to outright skepticism. “I’ll believe it when it happens,” said one senior military source. Another added: “I’m more confident than before—but before, I wasn’t confident at all.” Negotiations are still in the early stages, and much remains uncertain. The deal may yet evolve as both sides are pushed to make concessions. But for the first time in months, there is a flicker of momentum—and the possibility that events could move quickly if the right levers are pulled. The coming days will be critical. For Netanyahu, the stakes couldn’t be higher—politically, diplomatically, and personally. Whether Trump’s plan leads to peace or yet another round of conflict remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: no one in the region is watching indifferently.