CNN: Israeli PM may seek US support for new Gaza operation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could try to secure Washington’s backing for another military operation in the Gaza Strip during his visit to the United States.

Netanyahu may pursue US support for an additional Gaza operation ahead of agreeing to implement the next phase of a peace plan, CNN reports, citing sources.

The operation is seen by the Israeli prime minister as a “final show of force to satisfy his partners before making further concessions.”

According to the sources, Netanyahu’s strategy likely centers on a comprehensive linkage plan: advancing operations in Gaza in exchange for security guarantees regarding Iran and Lebanon, aligning actions with domestic political schedules, and possibly garnering backing for his pardon effort.

A senior Israeli official noted that Netanyahu trades progress on one front for concessions on another.

It appears likely that he will need to pass phase 2 to Trump, raising the key question of what he will receive in return—such as US backing for another strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities or support for military action in Lebanon.

By Jeyhun Aghazada