Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly rejected a 15-point Gaza proposal put forward by the Board of Peace. During Sunday’s Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu made it clear that Israeli forces will remain in the enclave until Hamas completely disarms.
“Israel rejects the 15-point Gaza document proposed by the Board of Peace,” Netanyahu stated. He emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will not withdraw until a genuine disarmament of Hamas occurs.
Discussions between Israel and the United States continue, focusing on Hamas’ disarmament. However, Netanyahu insisted that any agreement must lead to the complete surrender of Hamas’ weapons. “It needs to be genuine disarmament, not fictitious disarmament,” insisted Netanyahu.
A senior Hamas official, Basem Naim, confirmed that Hamas is committed to a Gaza roadmap agreed upon with mediators and the Board of Peace representatives in Cairo. Naim called on mediators and the United States to pressure Netanyahu to adhere to this roadmap.
Netanyahu reiterated his stance against the establishment of a Palestinian state in either Gaza or the West Bank, stating, “As long as I am prime minister, there will be no Palestinian state, not in Gaza and not in Judea and Samaria.” He referred to these territories as neither ‘Fatahstan’ nor ‘Hamastan.’
The Israeli leader emphasized Israel’s united front with the United States regarding Iran. “I greatly appreciate President Trump,” Netanyahu expressed, highlighting the partnership against Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Netanyahu assured that as long as he is prime minister, Israel will prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The rejection of the Gaza proposal highlights the challenges in converting the ceasefire into a lasting peace settlement, especially concerning Hamas’ disarmament and Israel’s military presence in the region. Netanyahu made it clear that Israel stands firm on its security demands and maintains its position with the U.S. for a strategic partnership against common threats.