According to the US “Peace Board” established by President Donald Trump, an Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza will only begin after Hamas is completely disarmed, easing the immediate concerns of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The announcement on Monday, August 3, followed strong objections from Netanyahu’s security cabinet, which had pushed to vote down a previous proposal drafted by the board that called for a gradual military pullback.
Security Cabinet Clashes Over Trump’s Gaza Roadmap
Two members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet demanded an immediate vote to nullify the US-backed framework after the Peace Board published a text urging a phased Israeli withdrawal. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, an ultranationalist settler, stated publicly that the board’s initial draft was entirely different from what had been presented to the security cabinet, according to AFP. In response to the pushback, the Prime Minister’s Office conveyed its concerns to Washington, prompting high-level meetings in Israel.
Did you know?
The “Yellow Line” currently marks the boundary for areas occupied by Israeli troops in Gaza, a zone that has expanded progressively to encompass 70% of the enclave, according to regional reporting.
The Disarmament Precondition for Israeli Withdrawal
Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza under the Peace Board, met with Netanyahu on Monday to navigate what he acknowledged was “una labor difícil”. Following the talks, the board clarified on its official X account that any withdrawal beyond the Yellow Line “solo se llevará a cabo una vez que se complete el desarme, tal como Hamás se comprometió con los mediadores”. Even if a formal pullback proceeds as planned under the October ceasefire pact led by Trump, Israel would retain control over a vast portion of Gaza. This pact has faced repeated violations, with Israeli strikes occurring almost daily and Hamas carrying out fewer infractions, based on ground accounts.
Differing Regional Perspectives and Ongoing Strikes
Mohammad Dahlan, a high-ranking Palestinian political figure involved in the Gaza planning, stated he spoke with Trump’s son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner regarding an end to military operations. However, Dahlan later revised his statements, accusing Netanyahu of obstructing efforts to end the conflict. Meanwhile, violence persisted on the ground. A Monday evening Israeli strike on a vehicle west of Gaza City killed two Palestinians and wounded several others, according to Mahmoud Bassal, spokesperson for the civil defense rescue service. The Israeli military told AFP that the strike targeted two militants, following a Sunday of attacks that left 19 Palestinians dead.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Israeli military scheduled to withdraw from Gaza?
According to the US Peace Board, an Israeli withdrawal beyond the Yellow Line will only begin after Hamas is completely disarmed.
What percentage of Gaza is currently encompassed by the Yellow Line?
Israeli troops currently occupy 70% of the enclave within the bounds of the Yellow Line.
What was the immediate reaction of Israel’s security cabinet to the Peace Board’s initial proposal?
Two members of Netanyahu’s security cabinet, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, pushed for an immediate vote to nullify the plan, arguing the published text demanded an unauthorized gradual withdrawal.
Who is Nickolay Mladenov in relation to the Peace Board?
Nickolay Mladenov serves as the high representative for Gaza under the US-led Peace Board.
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