Netanyahu rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan, demands Hamas disarmament

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly rejected a 15-point Gaza peace plan backed by the United States, asserting that Israeli forces will not withdraw from the territory until Hamas is completely disarmed. Netanyahu stated unequivocally at a Cabinet meeting that "Israel rejects the 15-point document," referring to the roadmap agreed upon by Hamas in late July. He emphasized that the Israeli military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed," specifying that this includes "heavy weaponry, lighter weaponry, all weaponry."

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Israel rejects the 15-point document

Despite the objections, Netanyahu indicated that Israel remains engaged in discussions with Washington, acknowledging U.S. President Donald Trump as "our greatest friend in the White House." He noted that while the U.S. has "ideas; some of them are acceptable to us and some are not," Israel is prepared to "stand our ground on these matters." The White House had not issued an immediate comment on Netanyahu's rejection.

The Trump-backed plan proposes an Israeli troop withdrawal in exchange for Hamas relinquishing its weapons. Following this, an International Stabilization Force would collaborate with a new Palestinian police force to ensure security in Gaza. Hamas has agreed to hand over its weapons for storage under a U.S.-backed Palestinian technocratic administration, which would govern Gaza under the supervision of the Board of Peace. Hamas has also stated that the plan's implementation is contingent on Israel fulfilling its obligations, including troop withdrawal and halting attacks.

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The Israeli military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed," adding that this included "heavy weaponry, lighter weaponry, all weaponry."

Nickolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace's high representative for Gaza, commented that Israel would face no obligations until Hamas surrendered all its weapons. However, he told Israel's Channel 12 that Israeli troops would eventually withdraw "sector by sector" once Hamas weapons were collected and rendered unusable. Mladenov described the plan as "the only way forward that ensures this tragedy does not happen again," referencing the October 7, 2023, attacks. Discussions with Israel are ongoing, with hopes for a "positive outcome."

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They have ideas; some of them are acceptable to us and some are not, and we know how to stand our ground on these matters.

This public disagreement occurs at a politically charged moment for Netanyahu, with national elections scheduled for October 27. Polls indicate a close race, with Netanyahu's performance potentially influenced by his handling of the Gaza conflict and related negotiations.

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We expect the mediators and the American guarantor to pressure Netanyahu and his government to adhere to the roadmap, and not obstruct the process for internal political and electoral reasons.