Trump says relationship is good even as Netanyahu rejects Gaza peace plan

What the report says

US President Donald Trump said his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains “very good” after Netanyahu openly rejected a US-backed Gaza peace proposal, according to Al Jazeera. Trump made the remark on Monday at the White House in Washington, DC, responding to a shouted question after an Oval Office event.

The dispute centers on a 15-point plan drafted by the US-led Board of Peace, which Al Jazeera reported was first released on July 31. The framework calls for a phased ceasefire process in which Hamas and other armed groups would surrender weapons to a new Palestinian governing body, while Israel would withdraw forces step by step as disarmament is verified. Trump had previously described the plan as a breakthrough in efforts to end the war that began in October 2023.

Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel would not withdraw until Hamas is “genuinely disarmed” and added that no Palestinian state would be created while he remains prime minister. His public opposition followed days of increasing criticism and came as far-right members of his coalition pushed him to reject the deal. Al Jazeera said the comments point to a widening policy rift between Washington and Israel over Gaza strategy.

A Board of Peace official told Reuters on Monday that the plan remains active and that discussions with Israel are continuing. Al Jazeera also reported that the White House and US State Department had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.