Axios: Washington expects Israel to act on its Gaza requests

The US administration expects Israel to comply with its requests regarding the Gaza Strip despite statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Axios correspondent Barak Ravid said on X.

According to a US official cited by Ravid, the White House is “not bothered” by Netanyahu’s statements that Israel rejects the 15-point Gaza plan proposed by the Board of Peace and will not withdraw its troops from the Palestinian enclave until the radical Palestinian movement Hamas is disarmed.

The official added that, in Washington’s view, Netanyahu’s remarks are driven by the upcoming Israeli parliamentary (Knesset) elections on October 27.

“We understand Bibi's political needs. We have no problem with it as long as he continues to do what we ask - especially regarding restraining attacks in Gaza,” the US official was quoted as saying.

According to the official, Netanyahu spoke by phone last week with US President Donald Trump and the US leader’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. During the call, the Israeli prime minister promised to “give the 15-point plan a chance” and “curb attacks on Gaza so that the process of demilirarization of Gaza can begin.” The United States believes Netanyahu is honouring that commitment, the report said.

In January 2025, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. The agreement provided for implementation in two stages. The first involved a cessation of hostilities, the release of detained individuals, an expansion of humanitarian aid deliveries to the enclave, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces. The second stage envisaged further steps toward ending the conflict and determining the future governance of the Gaza Strip.

On July 30, Trump said an agreement had been reached on implementing the second stage, which provides for the complete disarmament of Hamas formations.

By Jeyhun Aghazada