Israel has rejected a 15-point plan backed by former President Donald Trump to disarm Hamas in Gaza, according to The New York Times. The decision was confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said there would be no withdrawal from the territory until Hamas is genuinely disarmed.
The plan, which was also reported by Fox News, CNN, NBC News, and Bloomberg, proposed a framework for ending the conflict. Netanyahu’s office pushed back against the proposal, stating that any ceasefire or troop withdrawal would only happen after Hamas gives up its weapons, as Fox News reported.
The rejection marks a clear divide between the Israeli government and the US-backed initiative. According to CNN, Israeli officials said they would not accept any arrangement that leaves Hamas with military capabilities. The New York Times reports that the plan was presented as a comprehensive approach to resolving the situation in Gaza, but Israel’s leadership found the terms unacceptable.
Bloomberg noted that Netanyahu’s refusal came despite the plan being described as US-backed, signaling a potential strain in relations between the two allies. The prime minister’s stance appears to be firm, with no indication that he is willing to compromise on the disarmament requirement.
The proposal’s failure to gain Israeli support raises questions about the next steps for diplomatic efforts in the region. International mediators may need to revise their approach if they hope to bring both sides to the table.
What to watch next: Whether the Trump-backed plan is revised or abandoned, and how the US responds to Israel’s rejection.
