Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially rejected a U.S.-backed peace plan for Gaza on Sunday, declaring that the Israeli military will not withdraw from the territory until Hamas is “genuinely” disarmed. The Prime Minister’s announcement follows weeks of mounting pressure from his right-wing political base, which has urged him to oppose the framework ahead of upcoming elections.
The proposal, which originated from a 20-point peace initiative introduced by President Trump last autumn to resolve the conflict sparked by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, was previously touted by the White House as a “historic agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other groups in Gaza.” President Trump had described the plan, negotiated by his international “Board of Peace,” as a monumental step toward lasting regional security.
During a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu stated, “Israel rejects the 15-point document,” emphasizing that the military would continue to neutralize threats against Israeli citizens and forces. He clarified that Israel is currently engaged in discussions with the United States regarding specific objections to the plan. “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 noted, adding that his government remains focused on “real disarmament, not fictitious disarmament.”
The U.S.-backed roadmap originally envisioned a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces as disarmament progressed, with security responsibilities transitioning to an International Stabilization Force and a newly formed Palestinian police force. In a July 30 Truth Social post, President Trump argued that the agreement would allow for a new Palestinian government to govern Gaza, ensuring the region is no longer utilized as a base for terror attacks while providing Israel with necessary security guarantees.
However, members of the Board of Peace have privately expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of total disarmament, a goal Netanyahu insists is non-negotiable. The Prime Minister’s firm stance has drawn immediate pushback from Hamas. Bassem Naim, a member of the Hamas political bureau, stated on Sunday that his organization remains committed to the roadmap established by mediators.
Naim asserted that Hamas’s acceptance of the plan reflected a sense of national responsibility toward the Palestinian people, despite the significant challenges involved. He added that the group expects mediators and the United States to exert pressure on the Israeli government to adhere to the previously negotiated terms. As the diplomatic standoff continues, the future of the peace process remains uncertain amid conflicting demands from the involved parties.
The negotiations stem from a 20-point peace proposal that Mr.
“We have proven this in the past and we are proving it today.
Trump offered last fall to end the war between Israel and Hamas.
The conflict broke out with Hamas’ terrorist attack on southern Israel on Oct.
