Israel Resists Gaza Reconstruction Demands as Netanyahu and Trump Meet to Decide Enclave’s Future
London, UK — December 28, 2025
Israel Resists Gaza Reconstruction Demands as Netanyahu and Trump Meet to Decide Enclave’s Future following a series of diplomatic setbacks that have stalled the “Phase Three” recovery efforts.
As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares for his pivotal meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, the Israeli government has reinforced its refusal to allow large-scale reconstruction materials into the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli security cabinet has linked any rebuilding efforts to the “complete and verified” disarmament of Hamas—a condition that the militant group has so far rejected.
This deadlock has created a significant rift between Jerusalem and the international coalition led by Egypt, which is pushing for a $53 billion, five-year recovery plan to begin immediately.
The tension comes at a critical moment for the “Trump Peace Plan.” While the White House has publicly endorsed a vision for a “reconstructed and thriving Gaza,” the Netanyahu administration remains deeply skeptical.
In recent statements, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated that Israel will not facilitate the “re-strengthening” of Gaza until a new security regime is fully operational.
This stance has drawn sharp criticism from the United Nations and European allies, who warn that the delay is exacerbating a humanitarian catastrophe and fueling regional radicalization.
Key Headlines:
• The Reconstruction Deadlock:
Israel blocks the entry of “dual-use” materials, effectively halting the rebuilding of homes, hospitals, and schools.
• Netanyahu’s Red Line:
The Prime Minister insists that “not a single brick” will be laid for permanent structures until Hamas surrenders its remaining tunnels and weapons.
• Egyptian-Led Pressure:
Cairo leads a 14-nation coalition demanding that Israel honor the October 2025 ceasefire terms, which included reconstruction commitments.
• Trump’s Dilemma:
President Trump is caught between his “Peace Plan” vision for a modern Gaza and Netanyahu’s demand for a permanent “security perimeter” inside the Strip.
• Economic Blockade:
Israeli control over the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings remains absolute, with aid delivery falling far below the promised 600 trucks per day.
The “Security First” Policy vs. Global Pressure
The Israeli government’s refusal to allow
reconstruction is rooted in a “Security First” doctrine. Intelligence reports presented to the Knesset suggest that Hamas is attempting to use the current pause to re-establish governance in the 47% of Gaza it still nominally controls.
Consequently, Israel has maintained a strict ban on cement, steel, and electronic components, fearing they will be diverted to rebuild military infrastructure.
“We will not repeat the mistakes of the past twenty years,” a senior Israeli official stated, referring to the “reconstruction-for-quiet” deals that preceded the 2023 conflict.
This policy has met with fierce international resistance. Egypt, acting as the main factor in the regional stabilization coalition, has accused Israel of using reconstruction as a “tool of collective punishment.”
In coordination with the Arab League, Cairo has warned that the refusal to rebuild is a violation of the Sharm El-Sheikh agreement signed in October.
The Egyptian government has even hinted that its role as a security guarantor could be reconsidered if Israel continues to block the “Heliopolis Protocol” for Gaza’s recovery.
The Role of Egypt and the Arab Coalition
Egypt has been the primary driver of the diplomatic pressure campaign against the Israeli blockade.
Cairo’s proposed reconstruction plan calls for the immediate deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to secure building sites, a move intended to alleviate Israeli security concerns.
By leading this coalition, Egypt has successfully aligned the interests of the African Union and the Arab League, creating a unified front that demands a “reconstruction timeline” be finalized during the Netanyahu-Trump summit.
The Egyptian role is vital because it manages the Rafah crossing—the only gateway for materials not controlled directly by Israel.
However, because Israel occupies the Palestinian side of the border, Cairo’s hands are partially tied.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry has spent the last week briefing U.S. officials on the “untenable” situation in Gaza, emphasizing that without a visible start to rebuilding, the ceasefire is unlikely to hold through the winter of 2026.
# The Mar-a-Lago Negotiations: Secrets of the “Gaza Fund”
Exclusive reports obtained by CJ Global suggest that the Mar-a-Lago meeting will focus on a secret “Gaza Trust Fund” proposed by President Trump.
The plan involves bypassing the current Israeli restrictions by placing the reconstruction process under the direct supervision of a “Board of Peace” chaired by Trump himself.
This body would have international legal personality and would handle the $53 billion in pledges from Gulf nations and Western donors.
However, Netanyahu is expected to demand that Israel retain “veto power” over all reconstruction projects within a 5-kilometer buffer zone from the Israeli border.
This “security perimeter” remains a major sticking point, as it would effectively leave thousands of Gazans unable to return to their original homes.
The outcome of the Florida summit will determine whether the “green light” for Gaza’s future will finally turn on, or if the enclave will remain a landscape of ruins for the foreseeable future.
