Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of US deal for Gaza is a risky gamble

Israeli prime minister’s unexpected move blindsided IDF commanders and risks alienating Trump, his main ally

Benjamin Netanyahu’s public rejection of a US-backed deal for Gaza drew scepticism in Israel, amid reports he was personally hammering out details of a pilot military withdrawal days earlier.

The Israeli prime minister is struggling to balance incompatible demands on Gaza policy from his key domestic and international allies.