The White House is reportedly preparing to advance the Gaza ceasefire process to its second phase in January 2026, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s resistance is creating tensions with US President Donald Trump’s senior team. According to Israeli media, these disagreements could affect the timing of key initiatives, including the potential establishment of a Palestinian technocratic government and a multinational peace council.

US Pushes Forward With Gaza Peace Initiatives

Israel’s Channel 12 reported that senior White House officials are eager to announce the formation of a Palestinian technocratic government responsible for managing day-to-day affairs in Gaza. This initiative is a cornerstone of phase two of the Gaza ceasefire, a plan endorsed by the United Nations Security Council to stabilize the region after months of devastating conflict.

Alongside the technocratic government, the US aims to unveil a multinational peace council tasked with overseeing its operations, as well as an international stabilization force to ensure security throughout Gaza. The peace council could potentially be announced by President Trump during the Davos Economic Forum on January 19, 2026, signaling a high-profile push for regional peace.

A senior White House official told Channel 12 that the second phase would also involve the staged disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups, overseen by the new technocratic administration. However, Hamas has only signaled a willingness to temporarily “freeze” its weapons, rather than fully disarm, posing a major challenge to the ceasefire framework.

Israeli Resistance Complicates Implementation

Despite these US plans, Israeli leaders have reportedly expressed skepticism, particularly regarding Hamas disarmament. Channel 13 cited sources indicating that Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, have been cautious about the proposed peace council and the broader second phase of the ceasefire.

The situation is further complicated by repeated Israeli actions in Gaza since the October ceasefire. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, Israeli attacks have continued nearly daily, resulting in at least 406 Palestinian deaths, including many civilians. Humanitarian access has also been restricted, with essential food items such as meat, dairy, and vegetables limited in Gaza despite ceasefire agreements.

In addition, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli forces “will never leave Gaza,” directly contradicting provisions calling for Israel’s eventual withdrawal. US officials have reportedly grown frustrated by what they perceive as delays and obstruction tactics by Israel, which they claim are undermining the Gaza peace process.

Experts Warn of Potential Setbacks

Daniel Levy, a former Israeli government adviser and head of the US/Middle East Project, told Al Jazeera that Israel may resist implementing key ceasefire provisions without significant international pressure. Levy emphasized that Israel is unlikely to allow an international force or Palestinian governance structures to limit its military actions in Gaza.

“Israel has no intention of withdrawing from Gaza or permitting legitimate Palestinian governance inside the territory,” Levy said. “Unless externally pressured, it will continue to resist full implementation of the ceasefire.”

The Road Ahead

As January approaches, the US faces a critical window to advance phase two of the Gaza ceasefire, including launching a technocratic government, forming a peace council, and managing Hamas disarmament. How Israel responds will be pivotal to the success or failure of these efforts, and the international community is watching closely.

The coming weeks could determine whether a fragile truce evolves into a sustainable path toward peace in Gaza or collapses amid political and military tensions.