Breaking News: Israel rejects a Gaza peace plan, insisting on complete Hamas disarmament before any troop withdrawal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly rejected a 15-point Gaza proposal from the Board of Peace, stating unequivocally that Israeli forces will not withdraw from the enclave until Hamas is “genuinely disarmed”. Speaking on Sunday, Netanyahu insisted any agreement must involve the complete surrender of all Hamas weaponry – “heavy weapons, the less heavy weapons, all the weapons”.
The Prime Minister confirmed he is in discussion with the United States regarding the disarmament of Hamas, but reiterated his demand for “genuine disarmament, not fictitious disarmament”. This stance directly contradicts claims from senior Hamas official Basem Naim, who asserts Hamas remains committed to a previously agreed roadmap. Naim expects the US and mediators to pressure Israel to adhere to the plan.
Netanyahu distanced himself from the Board of Peace proposal despite previous alignment with President Donald Trump in seeking a peaceful solution, outlining his continued resolve to root out Iranian proxy groups. He again ruled out the establishment of a Palestinian state in Gaza or the West Bank, stating “Neither ‘Fatahstan’ nor ‘Hamastan’”.
Reaction & Context
Netanyahu stressed Israel’s security demands are paramount, and that the military had recently acted “forcefully” in Lebanon. He also credited President Trump with preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, stating, “As long as I am Prime Minister, Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.” The Israeli leader’s firm line underscores the difficulties inherent in achieving a lasting settlement, specifically regarding timing and sequence of events.
What Happens Next
Israel will continue to engage with the United States, but will maintain its uncompromising position on full Hamas disarmament. Further negotiations are expected, with the key issue remaining the verifiable dismantling of Hamas’ military capabilities before any Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Sources: Fox News, The Jerusalem Post, The Daily Mail.
