Herzog Splits with Israeli Government, Conditionally Supports Trump-Led Gaza Peace Plan
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Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday conditionally backed a US‑led Gaza peace plan, demanding the full disarmament of Hamas and breaking with the government that has criticized the proposal. The public split came as Israeli strikes have killed 28 Palestinians in Gaza since Friday, according to local health authorities.
Herzog's Conditional Endorsement
Speaking at his Tel Aviv office while accepting ambassadors’ credentials from five countries, President Herzog said he sees “many positive elements” in the Peace Council’s efforts under former President Trump’s leadership. He expressly conditioned his support for the UN Security Council’s 20‑point peace plan on the complete disarmament of Hamas, stating, “Hamas must be disarmed, and I hope it will be fully disarmed.” Herzog argued that such a step would clear the way for a technocratic government to take over in Gaza, crediting US officials and Peace Council High Representative Nickolay Mladenov with offering a “vision of hope.”
Government Opposition
The Israeli cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has continued to attack the roadmap for the second phase of the ceasefire. Far‑right National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir labeled the draft “unacceptable” and called for sustained military operations and forced displacement of Palestinians. Herzog’s conditional support, coming even as the government heaps criticism on the same plan, laid bare a high‑level fracture within the Israeli leadership.
Civilian Toll Keeps Rising
Despite Hamas having accepted the second phase of the US‑brokered ceasefire, Israeli forces have continued bombardments across the Gaza Strip. Since Friday 31 July, airstrikes and shelling have killed at least 28 Palestinians, according to local health authorities. The attacks drew renewed condemnation from humanitarian agencies, while Ben‑Gvir’s faction insisted that “attacks and the forced displacement of Palestinians must continue.”
What's Next
The UN Security Council is expected to debate the 20‑point peace plan’s implementation shortly. It remains unclear whether Herzog’s conditional endorsement can heal the rift between the Israeli government and international mediators while military operations show no sign of abating.
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Herzog Splits with Israeli Government, Conditionally Supports Trump-Led Gaza Peace Plan
