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Netanyahu Expects Next Phase of Gaza Plan Soon, Reiterates Opposition to Palestinian State

2025-12-07

The BareStory

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday he expects the second phase of a Gaza peace plan to begin "very shortly," following a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump later this month to discuss the plan. The first phase, which began on October 10, halted major fighting and included an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. A ceasefire is reportedly holding despite sporadic clashes, which President Trump on December 4 called "well" despite the incidents.

Netanyahu stated the upcoming second phase would focus on the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of Gaza, a task he described as "more difficult." According to a U.S. official, the U.S. and its allies plan to announce this phase in the "coming weeks." The plan reportedly involves creating a "Board of Peace" to supervise a Palestinian technocratic committee and an International Stabilization Force to help secure the area. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz said the force would support demilitarization efforts alongside Israel, Egypt, and a new Palestinian police force.

On Sunday, Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to a Palestinian state, asserting that Israel will maintain full security control from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean. This statement contrasts with a detail from one summary suggesting the long-term plan includes a possible "pathway" to Palestinian independence. Qatar's prime minister said on Saturday that international mediators are working to advance the deal, which he described as a "pause" rather than a full ceasefire that would require a full Israeli withdrawal.

The war began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas-led militants entered Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages, according to one summary. In the subsequent Israeli offensive, more than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza's Hamas-run Health Ministry. Israel continues to exchange Palestinian prisoners for the remains of hostages. On Thursday, Israeli authorities announced they had identified the remains of a Thai national killed on October 7.

Left Perspective

  • The next phase of the plan must focus on disarming Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza.
  • Israel intends to maintain full security control over the region.
  • A Palestinian state is not considered a viable outcome.

Right Perspective

  • A multi-party international structure is planned to oversee governance and security.
  • The current deal is viewed as a temporary "pause" rather than a final ceasefire.
  • The plan includes a potential long-term pathway toward Palestinian independence.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• U.S. involvement in a proposed "International Stabilization Force" could require the commitment of American diplomatic, financial, or other resources to help secure the area.

• Disagreement between U.S. and Israeli leaders on a Palestinian state may create uncertainty for the direction of long-term American foreign policy in the region.

• The success of the U.S.-supported peace plan could affect regional stability, though the specific impact on U.S. economic or security interests is not yet clear.

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