Netanyahu Announces Imminent Phase Two of Gaza Peace Plan Amid Ongoing Disputes

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Key Points

Netanyahu says phase two of the Gaza peace plan is close, but he will speak to Donald Trump over unresolved issues.
These issues include the demilitarising of Gaza and whether an international security force will be deployed.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says phase two of peace plan “must come now”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the second phase of a US plan to end the war in Gaza was close, but cautioned several key issues still needed to be resolved.

Netanyahu, speaking to reporters alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem, said that he would hold important discussions with US President Donald Trump at the end of the month on how to ensure the plan’s second phase was achieved.

Netanyahu said that he would discuss with Trump how to bring an end to Hamas rule in Gaza. A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is entering its second month, although both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violating the truce agreement.

Israel has repeatedly carried out air strikes since the ceasefire came into effect that it says are fending off attacks or destroying militant infrastructure.

According to Gaza’s health ministry, Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 373 Palestinians and injuries to 970 others since the ceasefire began in October. Israeli officials have reported the deaths of three Israeli soldiers at the hands of militants.

Netanyahu said that it was important to ensure Hamas not only upholds the ceasefire but also follows through on “their commitment” to the plan to disarm and for Gaza to be demilitarised.

Israel retained control of 53 per cent of Gaza under the first phase of Trump’s plan, which involved the release of hostages held by militants in Gaza and of Palestinians detained by Israel.

The final remaining hostages to be returned include those of an Israeli police officer who was killed on October 7, 2023.

“We’ll get him out,” Netanyahu said.

Since the ceasefire took effect, the militant group has regrouped and regained its presence throughout Gaza.

In Israel, a multinational coordination center has been set up; however, the initiative lacks specific deadlines, and officials have noted that progress has been sluggish.

According to the plan, Israel is to pull back further in the second phase as a transitional authority is established in Gaza and a multinational security force is deployed, Hamas is disarmed, and reconstruction begins.

Merz stated that Germany is prepared to assist in Gaza’s reconstruction but plans to wait for Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump. Berlin seeks clarity on Washington’s commitments before deciding on its contributions, emphasizing that the next phase “must come now.”

“What will be the timeline? What are the forces that are coming in? Will we have international forces? If not, what are the alternatives? These are all topics that are being discussed,” Netanyahu said, describing them as central issues.

Merz said that Germany was willing to help rebuild Gaza but would wait for Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump, and for clarity on what Washington was prepared to do, before Berlin decides what it would contribute but that phase two “must come now”.

What about plans to annex the occupied West Bank?

Netanyahu said that he would also discuss with Trump “opportunities for peace”, an apparent reference to US efforts for Israel to establish formal ties with Arab and Muslim states.

“We believe there’s a path to advance a broader peace with the Arab states, and a path also to establish a workable peace with our Palestinian neighbours,” Netanyahu said, asserting Israel would always insist on security control of the occupied West Bank.

Trump has said he promised Muslim leaders that Israel would not annex the occupied West Bank, where Netanyahu’s government is backing the development of Jewish settlements.

The “question of political annexation” of the West Bank remains a subject of discussion, Netanyahu said.