Israel did not agree to US-backed Gaza plan - Netanyahu

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel has not accepted a US-backed plan for Gaza, even with assurances that an Israeli withdrawal would only happen after Hamas disarms.

In a video message, Netanyahu stated that the US team "believes that they can bring about the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarisation of Gaza." He added, "We are checking this. They sent us a draft - we did not agree to it, it is not our draft. We sent our comments."

Netanyahu met with the US-backed Board of Peace, receiving guarantees that the Israeli army would only leave its current positions after Hamas disarms. However, pressure is mounting from the right wing of his ruling coalition. Two far-right ministers requested a new vote, arguing the plan deviates from initial discussions. The security cabinet had previously approved the proposal, which includes deploying international peacekeepers.

An Israeli think tank researcher suggested the ministers' request is a "campaign move" to pressure Netanyahu. The researcher also noted that Israel's military behavior would differ with international soldiers present. Despite internal political maneuvering, Israel has limited options due to international isolation, with the US plan being its only viable diplomatic path. Netanyahu is seen as more reactive, attempting to block certain ideas rather than proposing new ones.

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We are checking this. They sent us a draft - we did not agree to it, it is not our draft. We sent our comments.