Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to travel to the United States next week for talks with President Donald Trump, as intensive political and security-level discussions focus on the future of the Gaza Strip and the possibility of altering its borders.
According to Israel’s Walla news site, officials are examining whether to seek US backing to redraw the Israel–Gaza boundary by elevating the so-called “yellow line”—a military demarcation used during the war—into Israel’s new official border. Such a move would effectively annex large parts of Gaza, the report said.
What the “Yellow Line” Would Mean
Political sources cited by Walla said the proposal under discussion would annex territory up to the yellow line, while pursuing a parallel strategy to cut off Hamas economically until it loses control of the enclave. One source described the initiative as carrying a broader deterrent message for the future, framing it as punishment through territorial loss.
The yellow line reportedly covers around 58% of Gaza, including areas in Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, Khan Younis, and significant parts of Rafah. The concept under review would keep an ongoing Israeli military presence across roughly half of the territory.
Strategy, Risks and International Constraints
The same sources said the approach being discussed prioritises security control and demilitarisation over reconstruction, with the aim of exerting sustained pressure on Hamas. Analysts note, however, that such measures would face major legal, humanitarian and diplomatic hurdles, and would likely provoke strong opposition from regional actors and much of the international community.
Under the second phase of Trump’s broader framework, Israel would ultimately withdraw eastward to the current border line, according to the report. Yet regional diplomats assess that the chances of Arab states accepting the annexation of roughly half of Gaza are extremely low, if not impossible—casting doubt on whether any border change could secure regional or international endorsement.
Context: War, Borders and Diplomacy
The discussions come as Washington seeks to shape post-war arrangements for Gaza amid ongoing fighting and stalled ceasefire efforts. Any formal redrawing of borders would mark a dramatic departure from long-standing international positions that treat Gaza as occupied Palestinian territory, and could complicate US efforts to stabilise the region and rebuild a coalition with Arab partners.
The White House has not publicly commented on the report. Israeli officials have also avoided formal confirmation, underscoring that deliberations remain pre-decisional ahead of Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump.
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