Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces enormous risks if he chooses to defy his closest ally and reject the Gaza peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump. His decision at the White House on Monday will involve a careful calculation of the high cost of defiance versus the perceived risks of the deal itself.
The most immediate risk is a public and damaging rift with the United States. A rejection of a major U.S. peace initiative, especially one so heavily promoted by the president, could lead to a significant downturn in relations. This could manifest in reduced diplomatic support at the UN and greater public criticism from Washington.
Rejecting the plan would also mean turning his back on the coalition of Arab nations that Trump has assembled. This could jeopardize Israel’s ongoing efforts to normalize relations with the wider Arab world, a key strategic goal for Netanyahu’s government. It would position Israel as an obstacle to regional peace.
Domestically, a rejection could also be perilous. While his right-wing base supports the war, turning down a deal that could bring home Israeli hostages would spark intense criticism from the families and the political center. He would be accused of prioritizing military aims over the lives of captured citizens.
Finally, defying Trump would mean shouldering the full responsibility for the continuation of a costly and seemingly endless war. Without the diplomatic off-ramp offered by the U.S., Israel would be left with a military campaign that has no clear endgame and diminishing international legitimacy. The cost of defiance is high, a fact that will weigh heavily on Netanyahu’s mind.
The Cost of Defiance: What Netanyahu Risks by Rejecting Trump’s Plan
