Nearly three years after the outbreak of the Gaza war following the October 7 massacre and almost a year since Israel and Hamas declared a cease-fire, efforts to implement a U.S.-backed peace plan for Gaza are encountering significant obstacles. These challenges underscore growing tensions between the Trump administration’s vision for Gaza and the Israeli government’s refusal to move forward on key elements of the plan, raising questions about whether Israel's stance is driven more by security concerns or political calculations ahead of upcoming elections.
President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan, overseen by his son-in-law Jared Kushner and Nickolay Maldenov, the High Representative of the Board of Peace for Gaza, has faced hurdles particularly in its execution with the Israeli government. Sources report efforts within the White House to reduce the role of Aryeh Lightstone, who has been charged with managing the plan on the ground and liaising with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, due to perceptions that Lightstone is not sufficiently assertive in negotiations. Trump’s personal attorney, Josh Halpern, has been brought in to participate in talks, highlighting a legal focus on Israel’s obligations under the cease-fire, the peace plan, and a relevant U.N. Security Council resolution. Halpern also serves as legal counsel to the Board of Peace.
While Board of Peace officials deny any intention to remove Lightstone, multiple sources describe a growing rift between the U.S.-backed body and Israeli officials. Military and government representatives in Israel’s National Security Council, Defense Ministry, and Southern Command have reportedly expressed open resistance to cooperation, citing feelings of being sidelined in prior negotiations. Israeli officials have conveyed concerns that implementing the U.S. roadmap with Hamas would be perceived domestically as compromising Israel’s security, a stance allegedly supported by Netanyahu as the country approaches national elections.
The discord is illustrated by contradictory signals regarding the Erez crossing point on Gaza’s border. In August, Germany’s ambassador to Israel celebrated the installation of a new device intended to increase aid flow to Gaza, but shortly after, Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz stated there was no directive to open the crossing to goods, leaving international observers uncertain about Israel’s position.
A core impasse remains Israel’s restrictions on Gaza’s access, particularly its refusal to permit an international stabilization force’s deployment. Israeli authorities initially indicated cabinet approval for a contingent of approximately 200 troops from Uganda and Morocco but later retracted this approval, creating further uncertainty. Moreover, Israel has blocked the passage of Gazan recruits for a new police force who were slated to train in Egypt, citing security concerns over their possible return.
Security assessments presented to U.S. and Israeli officials by chief figures from Israeli intelligence agencies—including Shin Bet chief David Zini and Military Intelligence chief Shlomi Binder—underscore Israel’s skepticism about Hamas’ willingness to disarm. These assessments reportedly include new intelligence regarding ongoing armed activities and external funding to Hamas, particularly from Turkey. Israeli officials stress that full demilitarization of Gaza remains a non-negotiable prerequisite for any troop withdrawal or scaled-back Israeli presence.
Conversely, the U.S.-led Board of Peace maintains that disarmament is expected to happen as part of a reciprocal process outlined in the plan, with Hamas committing to surrender all weapons and cease governing activities. The agency acknowledges the challenges but hopes to find a sequencing formula that allows incremental progress while satisfying both parties. However, deep divides persist: while Israeli public opinion overwhelmingly supports complete demilitarization before withdrawal, a majority of Palestinians oppose disarming Hamas prior to any Israeli withdrawal, underscoring the profound hurdles ahead.