Gaza peace, Abraham Accords, ending Netanyahu’s trial: Trump & Israeli PM’s ambitious plans to change the region

With the Iran war in the rearview mirror, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are reportedly working on an ambitious plan to resolve many of the region’s ongoing conflicts and reshape the Middle East in one sweeping move.

Israel Hayom reported on Thursday that Trump, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Netanyahu and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer shared what was described as an “enthusiastic” phone call shortly after the U.S. strikes on the Iranian nuclear sites.

Their optimism stemmed not just from the success in the Iran campaign but also from their agreement on a broad, multi-phased plan intended to be implemented immediately thereafter.

In response, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) denied the conversation had taken place or that the proposal described by the report had been offered or agreed to.

The first step, according to Israel Hayom, citing “informed sources,” is the rapid conclusion of the Gaza War within two weeks.

The plan is said to include the release of all Israeli hostages, the exile of Hamas leadership, and the administration of the Gaza Strip by Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and two other, as yet unnamed, Arab countries.

Gazan citizens who wish to emigrate will be given the opportunity to relocate to various countries that have expressed willingness to receive them.

The main obstacle for this crucial first step is Hamas. Despite a new push for negotiations with the terror group, there have been no reports of any progress, and Hamas continues to reject exile and disarmament while demanding a guaranteed end to the war in any agreement.

If this step is implemented, Israel would declare its principal willingness for the establishment of a Palestinian state, contingent upon real reforms within the Palestinian Authority, which the United States has been pushing for since the start of the war.

In return, the U.S. would recognize Israeli sovereignty over parts of Judea and Samaria.

Israel’s declaration would fulfill the main condition of Saudi Arabia for joining the Abraham Accords, and the plan envisions several other countries, including Syria, normalizing relations with Israel as well.

The plan hinges on several points, most importantly, the agreement of Hamas. In addition, Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition partners are not likely to agree to any recognition of a Palestinian state.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich already signaled his disapproval and threatened to quit the government following the report, as well as a short video statement by Netanyahu that appeared to confirm, at least, its general content.

The “great victory” against Iran, “opens an opportunity for a dramatic expansion of the peace agreements. We are working vigorously on that,” Netanyahu said.

“Along with the release of our hostages and the defeat of Hamas, there is a window of opportunity here that must not be wasted,” he added.

Smotrich said he would support expanding the Abraham Accords, but “if this is a shiny cover for an existential threat in the form of dividing the country, handing over territory to the enemy, and establishing a Palestinian terrorist state… then no, thank you.”

“Mr. Prime Minister, let it be clear that you have no mandate. Not even for a hint or lip service,” he wrote.

Israel Hayom also cited diplomatic sources who said the Trump administration had exerted “substantial” pressure on Netanyahu to wrap up the Gaza War prior to the Iran campaign, and concern over jeopardizing the broader regional plan is said to have fueled Trump’s anger at Israel for allegedly risking the Iran ceasefire.

“Trump wants a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza as soon as possible,” a source “with direct knowledge” told Axios.

Moreover, a Kan News report stated that Trump’s highly unusual public call to cancel Netanyahu’s corruption trial was part of a move to “prepare public opinion in Israel for a pardon process,” and that coalition members plan to leverage it to advance legislation to end the trial through mediation or a presidential pardon.

Netanyahu also requested a postponement of his court testimonies scheduled for the coming week. As of publication, the court had denied the request, with testimony set to proceed on Monday.

Amid these developments, Netanyahu is seeking an invitation to Washington to meet with Trump, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday, adding that no date has been set yet.