Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could be asked to make “painful and significant” concessions under a US-backed proposal aimed at ending the ongoing war in Gaza, Israeli media reported Saturday. The plan, first reported on Channel 12 television and later covered by the Times of Israel, would give the Palestinian Authority (PA) a key role in governing Gaza, challenging Netanyahu’s long-held insistence that Israel should maintain security and administrative control over the territory.
What Is the US-Backed Plan?
The proposal outlines a gradual return of governing authority to the Palestinian Authority following a transitional period overseen by an international body. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been suggested as a potential interim administrator.
The PA, established under the 1994 Oslo Accords and currently led by Mahmoud Abbas, lost control of Gaza to Hamas after the 2006 Palestinian elections. The US plan explicitly excludes Hamas from any future governing role while creating a framework that could eventually lead to Palestinian statehood, provided necessary reforms are implemented.
Key elements include:
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A transitional body managing Gaza’s daily administrative services.
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Gradual withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces from the territory.
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The return of Palestinians displaced during the conflict, reversing earlier proposals for temporary relocation.
The framework reportedly includes 21 detailed provisions, setting a step-by-step roadmap for governance and security.
Pressure on Hamas and Qatar
US officials are reportedly putting “heavy pressure” on Qatar to persuade Hamas to accept the plan, according to Channel 12. Washington believes Arab states will only participate in efforts to secure Israeli hostages if the Palestinian Authority is included in the postwar governance of Gaza.
President Donald Trump presented the proposal to international allies at the United Nations this week but has not yet formally shared the plan with Hamas.
Netanyahu’s Political Dilemma
The timing of the plan places Netanyahu in a delicate position. He is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House on Monday, where the most contentious aspects of the proposal are expected to dominate discussions.
Netanyahu has long opposed any PA role in Gaza, citing security concerns. Accepting the US-backed plan would represent a major policy shift, while rejecting it risks straining relations with Israel’s closest ally at a critical moment in the conflict.
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