Trump Pushes Forward With Gaza Plan - Israel Sits on the Sidelines

After months of impotence, procrastination, hesitation, anxiety over execution, and time-wasting regarding Donald Trump’s plan for the Gaza Strip, it appears the U.S President is not giving up. He understands that Netanyahu’s Israel won’t do much. But neither a warm embrace from the Muslim world nor a cold shoulder from Israel seems to deter him from what he is clearly determined to achieve: the annexation of Gaza.

It’s worth noting that Israel’s passivity - beyond highlighting Trump’s remarkable, relentless resolve - also means that if this annexation indeed proceeds, and Gaza is transferred into American hands, Israel will have very limited room to maneuver or shape the outcome.

Israel stalled on multiple fronts. The appointment of a coordinator (or "project manager") took months. Coordination between the Finance and Defense ministries dragged on. And to this day, Israel has neither identified viable targets for mass emigration nor managed to bring Egypt to the table as a potential host country.

Yes, a few Gazans have made it to Indonesia, and others to Jordan, but these are drops in the ocean.

In reality, Israel is doing nothing. And so, when the moment comes to hand over Gaza, it will find itself without genuine leverage or negotiating power.

Even Netanyahu’s recent threats - consisting mainly of targeted bombings against terrorist leaders - will not return the hostages, nor will they "empty" Gaza.

Over a year and a half into the war, now the longest in Israel’s history, surpassing even the War of Independence, it’s becoming increasingly clear: we are looking at a perpetual stalemate.

Which raises the question: how is Trump still so patient with Israel?

In real estate, there’s a term—"delivery date". Well, does Netanyahu have one?

All of this without even mentioning the deep strategic damage Israel is incurring by allowing itself to become a passive observer. If and when Gaza is handed over, Israel may find itself sitting outside the room where the deals are made - without the ability to negotiate tough terms on security guarantees or demographic oversight.

Because in geopolitics, just like in business: If you're not at the table, you're on the menu.