Pleasing no one: Netanyahu puts election first with Gaza decision

AI Summary

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a US-led Gaza disarmament plan shortly before national elections, prioritizing political survival. Analysts regard this as a tactical victory for Hamas, which publicly supported the deal without taking disarmament steps yet.

Faced with a divisive US-led Gaza plan just before elections that could end his career, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had to choose between pleasing his ally Donald Trump or his right-wing base. In rejecting the plan, he may not please anyone. The decision is a tactical and PR victory for Hamas, analysts say, with the Islamist movement publicly backing the deal under which it would disarm, without taking any steps yet to do so.