Netanyahu Rejects US-Backed 15-Point Gaza Peace Plan, Says Israel Will Not Withdraw Without Hamas Disarmament

Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected key elements of US-backed 15-point peace plan for Gaza, insisting that Israel will not withdraw its forces until Hamas completely disarms.

Netanyahu made the position clear after a Cabinet meeting, saying Israeli troops would remain in Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed. He also said Israel would continue its military operations and what he described as defensive measures against Hamas.

The Trump administration had announced last month that its newly established Board of Peace had reached an understanding under the 15-point framework to disarm Hamas and other armed groups operating in Gaza. The proposal included provisions for an Israeli military withdrawal, reconstruction of Gaza and the removal of weapons from Hamas.

Hamas, however, has maintained that it would only agree to hand over its weapons after Israel ends its military operations and withdraws from Gaza.

Although a temporary ceasefire came into effect in October, Israeli airstrikes and military operations have continued in the territory.

Netanyahu's hardline position is being viewed in the context of domestic political pressure, including the upcoming general elections and opposition from members of his far-right coalition. Leaders such as Itamar Ben-Gvir have openly rejected the US-backed proposal.

Meanwhile, Trump’s peace team representative Nikolay Mladenov said negotiations over implementation of the plan were continuing. He said Israel had been assured that any military withdrawal would take place only after phased verification procedures.

The disagreement over Hamas's disarmament and the timing of an Israeli withdrawal remains a major obstacle to implementing the proposed peace framework.