Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly rejected a 15-point Gaza plan that proposed the complete disarmament of Hamas and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces. The plan, announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump in July as a "major milestone," had reportedly gained agreement from senior Hamas officials, conditioned on Israeli compliance. The United Kingdom welcomed the framework, and the European Union hailed it as a "crucial step."
However, Israel's formal response was delayed for over a week. An Israeli spokesperson initially stated the roadmap did not "reflect Israel's positions," while far-right government member Itamar Ben-Gvir declared it "unacceptable." Mainstream opposition politicians also raised concerns regarding the decommissioning of all small arms and the plan's sequencing.
On Sunday, Netanyahu informed his cabinet that "Israel does not accept the 15-point document." He further asserted that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would not withdraw until Hamas is "genuinely disarmed" of all weaponry, not just "fictitious disarmament."
Despite his rejection of the plan's specifics, Netanyahu referred to President Trump as "the greatest of our friends in the White House," but emphasized Israel's resolve to "stand firm" against unacceptable proposals. Widespread skepticism exists in Israel regarding Hamas's intent to adhere to any commitments, given the group's long-held principle of "armed struggle" against Israeli occupation. Some analysts point to signs of Hamas reasserting its authority in Gaza in recent months.
Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, an Israeli commentator and former deputy mayor of Jerusalem, told the BBC that Israel "can certainly never agree to retreating anywhere where the terrorist group that caused the worst massacres since the Holocaust is still there and is still ruling the Strip." She highlighted the enduring "trauma of the Israeli people" stemming from the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks that initiated the ongoing Gaza war.
Sources close to the Trump administration reportedly remain unbothered by Netanyahu's rejection, viewing it as potential campaign rhetoric ahead of a general election. Trump had previously announced a "major milestone" in July, stating that the Board of Peace had reached an agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in Gaza. The deal's implementation was envisioned in phases, involving the decommissioning of all weapons and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories.