Barak says Trump ignores Netanyahu as Gaza framework sidelines Israel

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak said Sunday that a new Gaza ceasefire framework effectively sidelines Israel, arguing that US President Donald Trump has shifted attention away from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking to Israel's public broadcaster KAN, Barak stated that "the agreement's language is highly ambiguous, but the general direction is clear. Israel and its demands are being ignored," according to Anadolu Agency.

Barak warns Gaza framework sidelines Israel

Barak noted that the draft does not require the complete disarmament of Hamas or the removal of weapons from the Gaza Strip. "Instead, it speaks about ending assassinations and returning to control over 53% of the Gaza Strip instead of 65%," he said, describing the situation as "a painful reality."

The former premier claimed that Hamas fighters still possess "tens of thousands of weapons," with no discussion about collecting them under the current terms. "The fundamental reality that should concern us is that Israel has no say in this issue," Barak said. "The agreement was reached without Israel being present at the negotiating table."

Netanyahu loses White House clout

Barak said Netanyahu had "completely lost his negotiating leverage" with Trump, adding that the US president's inner circle had also lost confidence in the Israeli leader. "The painful truth is that Trump no longer pays attention to Netanyahu, and all of this is deeply worrying," he said. He added that "Trump's relationship with him has developed deep cracks."

On Friday, the Board of Peace released a draft agreement titled "A Roadmap for Completing the Implementation of President Trump's Comprehensive Peace Plan in Gaza," outlining security and administrative arrangements for the enclave. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem later announced the movement's approval of the mediator proposal, though the Israeli government has not officially commented on the roadmap.

US-Iran tensions and military posturing

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir rejected the draft as "unacceptable" for Israel and demanded continuing assassinations and the displacement of Palestinians. Commenting on Iran, Barak said Trump had recently told reporters that "Netanyahu will do what I tell him." Israel "has no real ability to withstand Trump's whims," while Gulf countries are pushing in the opposite direction, he added.

"What happened tonight was entirely predictable. Trump does not want a large-scale war," Barak said, referring to the cancellation of planned US strikes on Iran. Earlier Sunday, Trump said on his Truth Social platform that he had agreed to cancel the strikes in exchange for an "immediate" agreement including the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran's nuclear threat. The escalation followed a June 18 memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran, which stalled over disagreements regarding security and navigation in the strategic waterway. On Feb. 28, the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran that, according to Tehran, killed more than 3,000 people, prompting Iranian retaliation against American and Israeli targets.