US envoy presses Netanyahu on Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US envoy Tom Barrack in Jerusalem, amid what were described as unusually blunt private messages from President Donald Trump’s administration ahead of a planned US-Israel summit in Florida, as reported by Asharq Al-Awsat plus agencies on December 16th. 

Reports claimed that the discussion focused on Gaza, Syria, and Netanyahu’s expected meeting with Trump.  In regard to Gaza, Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth claimed Barrack sought to reassure Netanyahu over Turkey’s potential role in the international force envisioned under the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire that commenced in October. Barrack argued that Ankara continues to hold significant leverage over Hamas, and is therefore best positioned to encourage the group toward the path of disarmament. He added that Turkey had endorsed president Trump’s ceasefire framework and pledged Hamas’s compliance with weapons handover. He also said Turkish involvement may encourage other hesitant states to participate. 

Barrack also mentioned the risks of the collapse of the international initiative without Turkey’s participation. The meeting comes amidst continued attacks by Israel on the Gaza Strip, with a recent attack leading to the demise of senior Hamas commander Raed Saad. Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the White House issued a “private and sharp” message to Netanyahu, asserting that the killing violated the Trump-brokered ceasefire. 

 Netanyahu’s public doubts over Hamas relinquishing weapons, and his insistence that only Israel could enforce disarmament, were described by Barrack as unacceptable and damaging to the plan.

US officials were cited as expressing frustration with Netanyahu’s handling of the truce and broader regional policy, with warnings that Washington would not allow Netanyahu to undermine Trump’s credibility.

Concern from the US was also raised regarding the increased settler violence in the West Bank, as well as Israeli actions that have hindered efforts to expand the Abraham Accords. On Syria, Barrack reportedly outlined US red lines, stressing Trump’s desire for stability and warning that the frequent Israeli strikes risk destabilizing the country.

Asharq Al-Awsat via Yedioth Ahronoth, Maghrebi.org