Former Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas said Netanyahu needs a 'perpetual war' and
that Israel's rejection of the Gaza plan should be read in the context of the
Oct. 27 election. Pinkas said Netanyahu calculated it was 'no risk' to openly
defy Trump because he assesses Trump is less concerned, timing is favorable,
Hamas remains armed, and he can act without punishment, tying the stance to
prolonged conflict and electoral strategy.