Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly preparing to accept “painful and significant” concessions under a proposed U.S. plan to end the war in Gaza — a shift that would mark a departure from some of his firmest policy positions.
According to the Times of Israel, the plan being pushed by Washington envisions a transition in which the Palestinian Authority (PA) would play a role in Gaza’s post-war administration. This is a contentious proposal, since Netanyahu has long resisted any return of the PA to power in Gaza.
The report adds that the U.S. is applying “heavy pressure” on Qatar to persuade Hamas to accept the details of the ceasefire plan.
If these concessions take shape, the changes could include:
- Allowing the PA to assume more administrative roles in Gaza post-conflict
- A possible reduction in direct Israeli control over certain territories in Gaza
- A transition period in which both international oversight and local governance would be involved
Such steps would represent a notable pivot from Netanyahu’s long-held stance that Israel must retain dominant control over Gaza and prevent the PA’s return.
Diplomatic tension is already palpable: Hamas, for its part, has publicly stated it has not been presented with the ceasefire plan, even though reports suggest elements of an agreement may be close.
Meanwhile, Israel continues to intensify its military operations in Gaza City even as the U.S. and other mediators push for a ceasefire.
This evolving scenario could test Netanyahu’s political flexibility and expose him to criticism from hardliners in his coalition who oppose any diminution of Israeli authority in Gaza.