By Janet Ekstract, ISTANBUL – A number of political analysts in the U.S. and Israel have weighed in on their views about what happens after the agreed upon first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan is implemented. Later on Thursday, Israel’s Cabinet is expected to approve the deal that was agreed to with analysts pointing out the only reason it will pass is because it’s “politically expedient.” That’s what Ori Goldberg an Israeli political analyst told Al Jazeera on Thursday while pointing out that unfortunately “political will is now the result of political interest.” Goldberg said the only reason that Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu agreed to the deal is because “He is out of options” and “his army is at odds with him.” Meanwhile, Alon Pinkas an Israeli diplomat said he sees two possibilities after the first phase of Trump’s 20-point peace proposal is implemented. The first possibility, Pinkas said “One is that Netanyahu has no intention of following through on the plan” – the second possibility Pinkas said, is that Netanyahu will be forced to carry out the entire proposal with his government disintegrating. President of the Middle East Project Daniel Levy was also asked his opinion about Trump’s plan and Netanyahu’s possible reactions. Levy cautioned: “Netanyahu has reneged on these deals in the past and may be looking for the first opportunity to resume these hostilities.” Levy further stated: “One should fully expect that Israel will not withdraw further, one should expect that Israel will make it as difficult as possible for aid to get in.”
Currently, Israeli forces still control all parts of Gaza which most analysts and experts view as problematic, going forward, if a two-state solution is to become a reality. The other factor to consider, analysts highlight is the fact that Netanyahu’s two far-right ministers are opposed to any deal especially one that ends the destruction of Gaza. As analysts reiterated – Israelis know that Netanyahu stood in the way of the release of hostages and that the deal could have happened a year ago. He also has taken no responsibility for the failure of October 7, blaming it on the Israeli army when it was common knowledge that Netanyahu and his government were informed well in advance of the attack and given probable details which they ignored. Ori Goldberg explains that what may create favorable conditions for the deal to work is that “Trump realizes Israel has no impunity anymore.” Goldberg warned that “Israel always tries to step it up before a deal is signed,” referring to increasing their airstrikes and violence. Goldberg warned that “To carry out this process, blood will be spilled.” Daniel Levy echoed Goldberg’s sentiments: “Everyone should absolutely expect that this is going to be an extremely bumpy road.”
