Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s 15-point proposal for Gaza, insisting that Israeli forces will not withdraw from the territory until Hamas is fully and genuinely disarmed.
Netanyahu made the remarks during a cabinet meeting on Sunday, August 9, saying Israel was rejecting the 15-point proposal.
Hamas, however, has said it would be willing to hand over heavy weapons only if Israel ends its military operations and withdraws its forces from Gaza.
Trump had described the proposal as a major step toward achieving lasting peace and security after Hamas indicated last month that it was prepared to accept a Gaza disarmament plan.
Netanyahu said Hamas must give up its weapons before any Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. He stressed that the disarmament process must be genuine rather than symbolic and said Israeli officials were discussing the next steps with their U.S. counterparts.
The disagreement highlights a major obstacle to efforts to reach a ceasefire and establish a long-term political and security arrangement for Gaza.
With Israel's next election only months away, Netanyahu may face significant domestic political pressure over any decision involving concessions or a withdrawal of Israeli forces.
