Israel Rejects Trump’s Gaza Plan, Netanyahu Demands Hamas Disarmament
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Jerusalem (Terror Monitor) —Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday rejected a Gaza plan endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump, saying Israeli forces will not withdraw from the Gaza Strip until Hamas is “truly” disarmed.
After more than a week of mounting criticism of the proposal, Netanyahu has now openly opposed the plan. He is also facing intense pressure from his right-wing supporters ahead of the upcoming elections.
Hamas had also backed the peace plan and agreed in principle to conditional, phased disarmament. However, Netanyahu said Israel rejects the 15-point document.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said Israeli forces would “not carry out any withdrawal from Gaza until Hamas is truly disarmed.” He added that Israel would continue efforts to eliminate threats to Israeli troops and civilians.
The plan represents the latest phase of a U.S.-led ceasefire process agreed in October. Although the ceasefire has reduced Israeli military operations in Gaza, the fighting has not stopped completely.
Under the proposal, Hamas would hand over its weapons to a newly established Palestinian administration, while Israeli forces would begin withdrawing from Gaza alongside the disarmament process. Israel, however, has firmly rejected the proposal, demanding that Hamas completely dismantle its weapons capabilities.
Following a meeting with Netanyahu last week, Trump’s “Board of Peace,” established to oversee implementation of the agreement, also shifted its position, saying Israel would have to withdraw from Gaza after Hamas is “fully disarmed.”
According to opinion polls, Netanyahu is facing a tough electoral battle to remain in power, while his far-right coalition partners are also pressuring him to hold a new cabinet vote and abandon the Gaza plan.
Netanyahu said Israel was discussing its objections to the plan with the United States.
“We are talking about truly disarming Hamas, not disarming for show,” Netanyahu said.
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