IntelBrief: U.S Split with Netanyahu Widens Over Gaza’s Future

Bottom Line Up Front

• Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s opposition to Palestinian statehood and refusal to consider the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza has put some distance between Israel and the Biden administration on policy matters for what happens the day after the fighting stops.
• Despite agreeing with Washington that Israel should not re-occupy Gaza after the current conflict, Netanyahu insists that Israel retain a security role in the Strip “indefinitely.”
• U.S. officials see Netanyahu’s opposition to Palestinian statehood as an obstacle to ending perpetual violence between Israel and the Palestinians.
• Many perceive Netanyahu as opposing U.S. pressure to keep his right-wing-leaning coalition in office.