Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a 15-point [1] Gaza peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump on Monday, Aug. 9 [2].
The rejection creates a significant diplomatic hurdle for the U.S. administration's efforts to end the conflict through a conditional framework. It signals a firm Israeli stance against any timeline that links military withdrawal to the process of disarmament.
Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said Israel will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is "genuinely disarmed" [3]. He specifically targeted the structure of the proposal, which sought to balance the exit of Israeli forces with the dismantling of Hamas capabilities.
"The plan links Hamas disarmament to a phased Israeli withdrawal — a link we cannot accept," Netanyahu said [4].
President Trump previously described the 15-point [1] proposal as a "monumental step toward lasting peace and security" [5]. The plan intended to create a phased transition, but the Israeli leadership has maintained that security guarantees must precede any troop movement.
Netanyahu said the current conditional framework is unacceptable given the security requirements of the state [3]. The prime minister's refusal to accept the phased approach suggests that Israel is seeking a total disarmament of the militant group before any territorial concessions are made.
This disagreement comes as international pressure mounts to find a sustainable resolution to the violence in the region. While the U.S. plan offered a structured path toward peace, the Israeli government remains focused on the complete removal of Hamas's military infrastructure [3].
“"We will not withdraw until Hamas is genuinely disarmed."”
The rejection of the US-led proposal underscores a fundamental gap between the Trump administration's diplomatic strategy and Israel's security objectives. By refusing a phased withdrawal, Netanyahu is prioritizing the absolute disarmament of Hamas over a negotiated transition, which may prolong the military presence in Gaza and complicate US efforts to broker a regional ceasefire.
