The Israeli Prime Minister has urged neighboring countries to participate in the Jewish state’s efforts to remove Hamas from the region.
“Israel offers peace and prosperity to all its neighbors and encourages them to normalize relations with Israel and collaborate in expelling Hamas and its supporters from the region,” a statement from Netanyahu’s office read.
This declaration comes after the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday approved President’s peace initiative for Gaza. The plan, adopted by the council, aims to conclude the conflict and establish an international stabilization force.
Addressing the council, Waltz characterized Gaza as “a hell on earth” after two years of conflict, asserting that the resolution provided an opportunity for the world to replace “rubble where schools once stood” with “a path to peace.” The measure was adopted with 14 votes in favor, none against, and two abstentions, including Russia.
“A vote in favor today is not merely an endorsement of a plan,” Waltz stated. “It signifies our shared humanity. To vote against this resolution is to choose a return to conflict.”
Netanyahu’s office commended the UNSC for its adoption of the agreement, stating that Israel is confident the “plan will bring about peace and prosperity as it mandates the complete demilitarization, disarmament, and deradicalization of Gaza.”
There was also a plea for the repatriation of the remaining deceased hostages: Ron Gvili, Dror Or, and Sudthisak Rinthalak.
Beyond inviting other nations to partake in efforts against Hamas, Israel also conveyed its hope that the plan would facilitate the expansion of the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements arranged during Trump’s initial presidency. The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco have already signed these agreements, normalizing their ties with Israel.
“In line with President Trump’s vision, this initiative will result in greater integration between Israel and its neighbors, alongside an expansion of the Abraham Accords. President Trump’s pioneering leadership is expected to guide the region towards peace, prosperity, and an enduring alliance with the United States,” Netanyahu’s office further stated.
In October, as the peace agreement was being implemented in Israel and Gaza, a senior administration official indicated that the U.S. viewed the conclusion of the war as an opportunity to broaden these agreements.
“Significant positive momentum is anticipated,” a senior administration official informed reporters. “Hopefully, this will foster improved sentiment and provide the chance to expand the Abraham Accords—thereby fundamentally altering the regional dynamic.”
Morgan Phillips of Digital contributed to this report.