Netanyahu says Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas gives up its weapons
Israel has rejected the latest US-backed proposal aimed at moving the Gaza peace process into its next phase, insisting that Hamas must be fully disarmed before Israeli forces withdraw from the territory.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the position during a cabinet meeting on Sunday, saying Israel would not accept the 15-point document in its current form.
Netanyahu said Israeli forces would remain in Gaza until Hamas was genuinely disarmed and no longer posed a threat to Israeli forces and civilians.
Netanyahu demands complete disarmament
The Israeli prime minister said disarmament must include all weapons held by Hamas, including both heavy and lighter weapons.
He stressed that Israel would only accept what he described as genuine disarmament rather than an arrangement that would leave Hamas with military capabilities.
Netanyahu said Israel was continuing discussions with the United States over the proposal, acknowledging that some elements were acceptable to his government while others remained unacceptable.
He also reaffirmed his opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state, saying no such state would be established in Gaza or the West Bank while he remains prime minister.
Trump’s Gaza initiative
The dispute follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement at the end of July of what he described as a historic agreement aimed at securing the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza.
The proposal forms part of wider US efforts to advance a peace process between Israel and Hamas after months of conflict.
Trump had previously announced a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between the two sides, raising hopes that the arrangement could eventually lead to a broader political settlement.
However, disagreements over the terms of the next phase have continued to complicate efforts to move forward.
Hamas sets conditions
Hamas has also raised objections to aspects of the proposed arrangement.
The group has said it would only proceed with the deal if Israel stops its military strikes in Gaza and withdraws its forces to the “yellow line” established under the October ceasefire agreement.
The position highlights the major differences between the two sides over security arrangements, territorial control and the future of Gaza.
While Israel is demanding Hamas’s complete disarmament, Hamas is seeking an Israeli military withdrawal as part of any further agreement.
Israeli forces remain in Gaza
Israeli forces currently control more than half of the Gaza Strip, particularly areas in the east and south of the territory.
The continued military presence remains one of the central issues in negotiations over the future of Gaza.
The disagreement between Israel and Hamas now presents a major challenge to efforts to advance the US-backed peace initiative.
With Israel refusing to withdraw without Hamas disarmament and Hamas demanding an Israeli withdrawal and an end to strikes, negotiations face significant obstacles.
The United States is continuing discussions with both sides as it seeks to find a path towards implementing the next stage of the proposed peace process.
