A senior U.S. administration official has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for making “maximalist statements” that are seen as unhelpful to finalizing a ceasefire deal. This criticism comes during a crucial period of regional diplomacy led by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is working to advance a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Following a three-hour meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday, Blinken mentioned that the Israeli leader had accepted a U.S. “bridging proposal” designed to resolve key disagreements and bring the parties closer to a deal. However, Israeli media reported that Netanyahu later claimed he had convinced Blinken that Israeli troops should remain in certain strategic areas of Gaza, including along the southern border with Egypt.

These remarks appear to have frustrated the U.S. administration. A senior official, speaking anonymously, stated that such “maximalist statements” could hinder progress in the negotiations and jeopardize ongoing technical discussions needed to implement the ceasefire.

Blinken, who is currently on a Middle East tour, including stops in Egypt and Qatar, revealed for the first time that the U.S. proposal includes a “detailed plan” for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. He confirmed that Israel had agreed to this plan, which outlines a clear schedule and locations for troop withdrawals.

Hamas has criticized the latest ceasefire proposals, calling them a “coup” against earlier agreements, and insists that any ceasefire plan should be based on negotiations held in July rather than new discussions.