Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected a US-endorsed plan for a ceasefire and troop withdrawal from Gaza, stating that Israeli forces will remain in the enclave until Hamas is genuinely disarmed. This stance directly opposes a blueprint reportedly championed by former US President Donald Trump and supported by Hamas in late July.
Israel Rejects US-Backed Gaza Blueprint
Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu pushed back against the 15-point document, which was part of a broader US-led ceasefire framework announced in October. The proposed plan outlined a scenario where Hamas would surrender its arsenal to a nascent Palestinian governing body, allowing for a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops.
Netanyahu made it clear that Israel would not accept any partial handover of weapons. Instead, he demanded the complete destruction of Hamas's military capabilities. "Israel rejects the 15-point document," Netanyahu stated, emphasizing that 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."
Demanding "Real Disarmament"
While some members of the Board of Peace have suggested that total weapon destruction is an unrealistic goal, Prime Minister Netanyahu remained resolute. He insisted that Israel would not settle for symbolic gestures or a "fictitious disarmament." His administration demands verifiable and comprehensive disarmament.
Despite the friction, Netanyahu noted that discussions with US officials are ongoing, acknowledging that while some US ideas are acceptable, Israel intends to "stand our ground" on crucial matters regarding its security.
Hardline Stance on Iran's Nuclear Ambitions
Beyond the immediate conflict in Gaza, the cabinet meeting also saw Netanyahu reiterate Israel's hardline position on Iran. He pledged to block Tehran's nuclear ambitions, irrespective of any diplomatic negotiations involving Washington and Arab nations.
Both the US and Israel have consistently cited preventing a nuclear-armed Iran as a core strategic objective, though Iran maintains its nuclear program is exclusively peaceful. "I want to emphasise once again: with an agreement or without an agreement, as long as I am prime minister, Iran will not have nuclear weapons," Netanyahu asserted.