Netanyahu rejects US Gaza plan, insists on Hamas disarmament before Israeli withdrawal

Netanyahu explicitly opposed the 15-point document, which was endorsed by Hamas in late July, amidst pushback from his right-wing base ahead of elections. He affirmed that the Israeli military would not withdraw until Hamas is genuinely disarmed and would continue to thwart threats. The US-led ceasefire plan, announced in October, suggested Hamas would surrender weapons to a nascent Palestinian governing body, with Israel beginning its pullout in tandem with disarmament.

Israel adamantly rejected this idea, also wanting Hamas to destroy its weapons. After meeting Netanyahu, the US Board of Peace, implementing the deal, stated Israel would only need to withdraw after "complete" disarmament. Netanyahu, facing a tight race to remain in power, has been urged by far-right allies to hold a new cabinet vote to end the Gaza plan.

He noted that Israel is discussing its objections with the United States, stating that some ideas are acceptable while others are not. Netanyahu emphasized the need for "real disarmament, not fictitious disarmament," a goal that Board of Peace members reportedly consider unrealistic.