Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a U.S.-backed peace plan for Gaza on Sunday, saying Israel will not withdraw military forces until Hamas is disarmed.
The rejection creates a significant diplomatic rift between Israel and the U.S. as both nations attempt to navigate the end of the conflict.
The proposal consists of 15 points [1] designed to establish a framework for peace and the disarmament of militant groups. Donald Trump said the proposal is a historic agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other groups.
Netanyahu said the Israeli government will not entertain rumors regarding Israeli weakness or military withdrawals. He said that the U.S. pressure to accept the plan is premature given the current security situation.
"We will not withdraw our forces until Hamas is fully disarmed," Netanyahu said.
The Prime Minister's stance emphasizes a requirement for total disarmament before any transition of power or military exit occurs. This position directly conflicts with the timelines and conditions outlined in the U.S.-led initiative.
"There is a wave of rumours about Israeli weakness and Israeli withdrawals, which we will not entertain," Netanyahu said.
While the U.S. administration continues to push for a diplomatic resolution, the Israeli leadership maintains that military objectives must be fully met to ensure long-term security. The standoff remains centered on the sequence of disarmament and the timing of a full military withdrawal from the territory.
“"We will not withdraw our forces until Hamas is fully disarmed."”
The rejection of the 15-point plan signals a fundamental disagreement between the U.S. and Israel over the conditions for ending the conflict. By insisting on full disarmament before withdrawal, Netanyahu is prioritizing absolute security guarantees over the diplomatic timeline proposed by the U.S., likely prolonging the military presence in Gaza.
