Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially rejected a U.S.-backed peace proposal for Gaza on Sunday, declaring that the Israeli military will not withdraw from the territory until Hamas is “genuinely” disarmed. The Prime Minister’s firm stance comes amid mounting pressure from his right-wing political base ahead of upcoming elections.
During a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu explicitly stated that Israel rejects the 15-point document. He emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will maintain their presence to neutralize threats against Israeli citizens and military personnel, asserting that the government is seeking “real disarmament, not fictitious disarmament.” He added that while Israel is in discussions with the U.S. regarding the plan, some elements remain unacceptable to his administration.
The proposal, which originated from a 20-point plan introduced by President Trump last fall to conclude the conflict sparked by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, was previously hailed by the President as a “historic agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other groups in Gaza.” Trump noted that the deal was negotiated by his international “Board of Peace” and described it as a monumental step toward lasting regional stability.
Under the terms outlined by the U.S. administration, Israeli forces would initiate a withdrawal from parts of Gaza as disarmament milestones are met. The plan envisions security being managed by an International Stabilization Force alongside a newly formed Palestinian police force. President Trump stated in a July 30 Truth Social post that this framework would allow Gaza to be governed by a new Palestinian administration, ensuring that the region no longer serves as a base for terror attacks against Israel.
However, members of the Board of Peace have privately expressed concerns that the total disarmament of Hamas is not a realistically achievable goal. Despite this, Netanyahu remains steadfast in his requirement that the group surrender its entire arsenal.
In response to the Prime Minister’s rejection, Hamas official Bassem Naim, a member of the group’s political bureau, stated on Sunday that the organization remains committed to the roadmap established by mediators. Naim argued that their acceptance of the plan reflects a sense of national responsibility toward the Palestinian people and called on the U.S. and other mediators to exert pressure on the Israeli government to adhere to the agreement.
“They have ideas, some of which are acceptable to us and some of which are unacceptable to us, and we know how to stand up to these things,” he said.
The negotiations stem from a 20-point peace proposal that Mr.
“We have proven this in the past and we are proving it today.
The conflict broke out with Hamas’ terrorist attack on southern Israel on Oct.
Source: CBS News
