Netanyahu Rejects Trump Proposal to Disarm Hamas in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has explicitly rejected a U.S.-backed framework intended to disarm Hamas, dismissing the 15-point proposal endorsed by the Trump administration.

The dismissal marks a rare public divergence between Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump.

The proposed agreement, facilitated by Trump’s Board of Peace, outlined a phased timeline where Hamas would transfer its arsenal to a new Palestinian governing entity.

In exchange, Israeli forces were scheduled to incrementally vacate the more than 50 percent of the Gaza Strip they currently occupy.

Trump previously described the arrangement as a significant diplomatic breakthrough.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu eliminated any ambiguity regarding his government's stance on the U.S. initiative.

“Israel rejects the 15-point document,” Netanyahu stated.

He further dictated strict terms regarding military positioning in the Palestinian enclave.

The Israeli military “will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed and will continue to thwart threats against our forces and our citizens,” Netanyahu said.

Domestic Political Calculus

The rejection aligns with escalating pressure from Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners.

Facing a tight re-election contest this fall, the prime minister’s right-wing allies have demanded a cabinet vote to permanently terminate the U.S. Gaza plan.

Following an initial October ceasefire that scaled down military operations, the timeline for disarmament remains the primary diplomatic obstruction.

Following a meeting with Netanyahu last week, the Board of Peace amended its position, conceding that a complete Israeli withdrawal would only be required after total disarmament.

Impractical Expectations

The U.S. framework relied on the militant group voluntarily relinquishing its weapons, a core demand of the Israeli government.

Board of Peace officials have acknowledged that stripping Hamas of its entire arsenal is likely an unachievable objective.

Armed resistance remains a fundamental doctrine for the organization, which continues to hold territory in Gaza nearly three years after the October 2023 assault.

Netanyahu remains uncompromising on the scope of the weapons handover.

“We are talking about real disarmament, not fictitious disarmament,” Netanyahu said.

Negotiations between Israeli officials and the United States remain ongoing regarding the rejected provisions.