Netanyahu rejects peace initiative, insists on full Hamas disarmament before any Israeli pullout
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday dismissed a 15-point ceasefire proposal for Gaza put forward by the Board of Peace, vowing that Israeli forces would remain in t…
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday dism…
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday dismissed a 15-point ceasefire proposal for Gaza put forward by the Board of Peace, vowing that Israeli forces would remain in the enclave until Hamas surrenders all its weaponry.
Speaking at the weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu stated, "Israel rejects the 15-point Gaza document proposed by the Board of Peace. The IDF will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed." He emphasized the need for real, not symbolic, disarmament, adding, "When I say Hamas is disarmed, that means the heavy weapons, the less heavy weapons, all the weapons."
Negotiations with Washington over Hamas's disarmament continue, but Netanyahu insisted that any agreement must result in the militant group handing over its entire arsenal. His remarks come as the Trump administration pushes forward with broader plans for Gaza following last year's ceasefire.
In response, senior Hamas official Basem Naim told
In response, senior Hamas official Basem Naim told Reuters that the group remains committed to the roadmap agreed with mediators and the Board of Peace in Cairo ten days ago. He urged mediators and the United States to pressure Netanyahu to adhere to the plan.
Netanyahu also reiterated his long-standing opposition to Palestinian statehood, declaring, "As long as I am prime minister, there will be no Palestinian state, not in Gaza and not in Judea and Samaria. Neither 'Fatahstan' nor 'Hamastan.'" His stance underscores the deep divisions over the sequencing of disarmament and military withdrawal.
The prime minister additionally addressed regional operations, noting recent Israeli actions in Lebanon and praising the alliance with the U.S. on Iran. "I greatly appreciate President Trump. He is the greatest of our friends in the White House," Netanyahu said, while reaffirming that Iran will never acquire a nuclear weapon under his watch.