JERUSALEM, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected key elements of a United States-backed plan for Gaza, insisting that Israeli forces will not withdraw from the territory until Hamas is fully and genuinely disarmed.
Netanyahu’s position represents a significant obstacle to efforts aimed at securing a lasting arrangement in Gaza, where negotiations have continued over the future of the territory, the presence of Israeli forces and the disarmament of Hamas.
The Israeli prime minister maintained that any agreement involving an Israeli military withdrawal must be tied to the removal of Hamas’ military capabilities. He argued that Israel could not accept an arrangement that would allow the militant group to retain weapons or the ability to launch further attacks.
The position reflects one of the central disagreements surrounding proposals for ending the conflict in Gaza. While the United States has pushed for a framework intended to establish a ceasefire and create a pathway towards a longer-term political settlement, Israel has continued to insist on security guarantees and the dismantling of Hamas’ military infrastructure.
Netanyahu has repeatedly made the disarmament of Hamas a central condition for any permanent resolution to the conflict. His latest comments reinforce his government’s position that Israel must retain the ability to prevent Hamas from rebuilding its military capabilities.
The dispute also highlights wider disagreements over what should happen in Gaza after the fighting ends. Questions surrounding governance, security arrangements, reconstruction and the future role of Hamas remain among the most difficult issues facing negotiators.
The United States has been involved in diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing the fighting and establishing arrangements that could provide greater stability for Gaza. However, differences between Washington’s proposals and Israel’s security demands could complicate efforts to secure agreement among the parties.
Hamas has also faced pressure over demands for disarmament, while Palestinian officials and other stakeholders have continued to call for an end to the conflict and greater protection for civilians in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s refusal to commit to a military withdrawal before Hamas is disarmed means negotiations are likely to remain focused on how security responsibilities would be handled and what guarantees could prevent a renewed conflict.
The Israeli government has maintained that its military campaign is aimed at preventing Hamas from posing a future security threat to Israel. Opponents of continued military operations, however, have raised concerns about the humanitarian consequences of the prolonged conflict and the need for a political solution.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the disagreement over Hamas’ weapons and the future presence of Israeli forces remains a major challenge to any proposed Gaza settlement. The outcome of negotiations could determine the next phase of the conflict and the broader political and security arrangements for the territory.
