Jerusalem: Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak expressed concerns over a new Gaza framework, stating that it sidelines Israel and that U.S. President Donald Trump 'no longer' values Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's input. Barak, in an interview with Israel's public broadcaster KAN, emphasized that the agreement's language is vague, but it clearly neglects Israel's demands.
According to Anadolu Agency, Barak criticized the framework for not mandating the complete disarmament of Hamas or the removal of weapons from the Gaza Strip, nor the exile of the group's leadership. Instead, it focuses on ending assassinations and suggests a reduction in control over the Gaza Strip from 65% to 53%.
Barak described the situation as a 'painful reality,' lamenting the lack of attention Trump gives to Netanyahu. He suggested that Netanyahu has lost his negotiating leverage with Trump, whose inner circle also lacks confidence in the Israeli leader, leading to strained relations.
Barak further claimed that despite the possession of 'tens of thousands of weapons' by Hamas fighters, there has been no discussion about disarming them. He expressed concern over Israel's exclusion from the negotiation process, stating, 'The agreement was reached without Israel being present at the negotiating table.'
A draft agreement titled 'A Roadmap for Completing the Implementation of President Trump's Comprehensive Peace Plan in Gaza' was released by the Board of Peace, detailing principles and mechanisms for the plan's next phase. Meanwhile, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem announced the movement's approval of a proposal by mediators to complete the ceasefire agreement's remaining phases.
The Israeli government has not officially commented on the roadmap, but far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir rejected the draft agreement as 'unacceptable' and demanded the continuation of assassinations and the displacement of Palestinians.
Barak also commented on the U.S.-Iran dynamics, stating that Trump had recently indicated that Netanyahu would comply with his directives. Barak criticized Israel's inability to resist Trump's unpredictable decisions, while Gulf countries push in the opposite direction.
He remarked on the predictability of Trump's decision to cancel a U.S. strike on Iran, suggesting that Trump seeks to avoid a large-scale war. Barak argued that Iran would be open to a deal if its conditions, such as maintaining the threat of closing the Strait of Hormuz, securing the release of frozen funds, and lifting sanctions, are met. He warned, however, against Tehran's continued pursuit of a nuclear threat.
Recently, Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that he had agreed to cancel planned strikes on Iran in exchange for an 'immediate' agreement, including the 'Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT' and an end to Iran's nuclear threat.
The tensions between the U.S. and Iran have escalated, with military exchanges occurring over a 13-day period. This followed a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran and stalled negotiations over security and navigation freedom in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial energy and trade route.
Previously, on February 28, U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, according to Tehran, resulted in over 3,000 casualties. Iran retaliated with attacks it claimed caused casualties among American and Israeli forces.