Netanyahu's defiance of Trump on Gaza carries risks

Key Points:

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's latest ceasefire plan for Gaza, insisting that Israel will not withdraw from territory until Hamas is fully disarmed, complicating U.S.-Israel relations ahead of Israeli elections.
• Netanyahu faces domestic political pressure, as any perceived compromise with Hamas risks undermining his reelection chances in a nation still traumatized by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
• Despite Netanyahu's rejection, there are signs of limited Israeli military restraint in Gaza, and behind-the-scenes cooperation continues between Israeli and U.S. officials to advance ceasefire efforts.
• Trump's influence in Israel has waned as his priorities shift toward winding down regional conflicts and addressing U.S. domestic concerns, leaving Netanyahu increasingly dependent on the former president's support amid diplomatic isolation.
• Netanyahu's history of defying U.S. presidents poses greater risks now, as Israel's diplomatic standing weakens and its traditional bipartisan support in the U.S. erodes, making his relationship with Trump critical for his political survival.