For Netanyahu and the Israeli opposition, the status quo in Gaza provides territorial control and military freedom without the burden of reconstruction. Israel was caught off guard when Hamas agreed in late July to withdraw its troops from the Gaza Strip at the same time as the Israeli army withdraws from the enclave. Binyamin Netanyahu’s government even called acceptance by Palestinian factions «roadmap» peace council «diplomatic October 7».
Muhammad Shehada, Palestinian writer and analyst from Gaza, and EU relations manager for the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor
For months, Israel has used disarmament in the Gaza Strip as the only pretext to continue the genocide in the enclave and systematically violate the October 2025 ceasefire.
«If only Hamas laid down its weapons, it would all be over.» — Israel's standard thesis, used to justify the killing of more than 1,200 Palestinians in the past 320 days of alleged lull, as well as restrictions on aid and movement, a ban on reconstruction and promotion. «yellowline» ethnically cleansed territories.
However, once Hamas and seven other Palestinian factions agreed to Tel Aviv’s demand, the Israeli government panicked. Netanyahu hastens to officially reject «roadmap», while his ministers called him «dangerous» They pledged to continue their daily killings and ethnic cleansing.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army has intensified its bombing of the Gaza Strip.
Even after «Peace Council» While he tried to give Israel sufficient assurances that it could continue to bomb Gaza, occupy 70 percent of the Gaza Strip, and withdraw only after Hamas completely disarmed, Netanyahu continued to reject the deal.
«Hamas accepted «roadmap»to expose Netanyahu’s bluff». — A senior Arab mediator said in an interview. The New Arab. «They knew he wouldn't obey.».
Israeli control of Gaza
Although «Peace Council» rewrite «roadmap» In line with Israel’s demands, Netanyahu is unwilling to accept it, as any progress in the Gaza Strip threatens the far-right coalition that keeps him in power.
Israel’s prime minister has promised ethnic cleansing in Palestinian territory. Half of the coalition — Ministers and members of the Knesset — Israel has recently called for the resumption of Jewish-only settlements in the Gaza Strip, and its defense minister has campaigned to wipe out entire Palestinian cities.
Even if Hamas disarms without the withdrawal of Israeli troops or the suspension of airstrikes, «roadmap» Israel will not be satisfied because it will limit its ability to control the Gaza Strip.
For example, according to «roadmap»Israel would have to allow the National Committee for the Management of the Gaza Strip (NCUSG) to enter the enclave along with the International Stabilization Force (ISF) to collect weapons.
The status quo in Gaza is in Israel’s interest, allowing it to maintain control over 70 percent of the Gaza Strip without taking responsibility for the displaced population.
The Israeli government considers this a nightmare scenario, since the presence of international forces in Gaza would deprive Israel of its freedom of military action.
This is why Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned that the multinational force in Gaza would be a military force. «dangerous to Israel»because they «They will monitor us, separate us from Hamas, and limit Israeli activity in the sector.».
In addition, the roadmap would commit Israel to fulfilling its commitments under the first phase of Trump’s 20-point plan for a cease-fire before or simultaneously with the disarmament of Hamas.
These commitments include allowing at least 600 trucks with humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip daily, as well as installing 60,000 temporary housing modules and 200,000 tents, and repairing basic infrastructure such as electricity, water, sewage, roads, hospitals and bakeries.
But this would be contrary to Israel’s policy of ensuring that the Gaza Strip is protected. «It has been destroyed for generations.»As former Israeli General Giora Eyland put it.
Even minimal humanitarian measures that would make Gaza less uninhabitable are seen by Israel as an existential threat. His war, which cost more than $140 billion, was clearly aimed at turning the enclave into an apocalyptic wasteland, leaving the Palestinians with no choice but to leave.
Status quo suits Israel
A former senior Israeli official, who worked closely with Netanyahu until 2024, said he was in charge. The New ArabThe Prime Minister of Israel prefers the current stalemate «big change».
«We have all the leverage, we're in a winning position, so why would we intervene?» He said.
The former official explained that Israel is satisfied with the current status quo in the Gaza Strip because it allows it to maintain control over the deserted 70% of the enclave, while avoiding the cost of providing food and housing to the displaced population.
In addition, the appearance of a truce means that Hamas cannot attack Israeli troops for the sake of the war. «yellowline»Israel does not need to deploy a significant number of troops to defend the territory.
Netanyahu may not be willing to make concessions on Gaza for fear of losing right-wing support, but the opposition in Israel offers little in return.
Two senior officials from mediating countries in the Arab world said The New ArabThe current status quo is ideal for Israel and no change in the Gaza Strip is expected until at least the October elections.
One of the officials said they had hoped from the outset that Trump’s plan would allow them to do so. «Reduce homicides, increase food supplies and prevent ethnic cleansing».
Another official said The New ArabThis is the only way to move forward with implementation. «roadmap» — it «force Israel to submit to battle»but «Peace Council» Trump has so far not put any significant pressure on Netanyahu.
The opposition in Israel is no better.
A former Israeli official warned against being overly optimistic about the likelihood of Israeli opposition parties winning the upcoming election.
«The opposition is attacking Netanyahu from the right, not from the left. They say he is willing to nullify all gains in Gaza and grovel at Trump. — He said in an interview. The New Arab. — They promise to be tougher.».
Chaim Ramon, a veteran Israeli politician, warned that «The people who elect Bennett are actually electing another Netanyahu. — Only more radical.».
He added that Israeli opposition leaders such as Bennett or Avigdor Lieberman, «They may try to present themselves as centrist or "moderate" rightists, but in reality they are political hawks, supporters of the idea of "Land of Israel", whose extremist views are identical to those of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich.».
Beginning of form — End of form
For reference: Bennett once bragged shamelessly: «I've already killed a lot of Arabs and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.».
A senior Arab official from the mediating country said The New ArabThe opposition’s victory could further complicate the situation in Gaza.
«If [Gadi] Eisenkot becomes prime minister, the international pressure on Israel will ease and we will be told to give him time and space to strengthen his regime to prevent Netanyahu from returning to power.».
