Netanyahu: Israel will not withdraw from Gaza lines until Hamas fully disarms

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel will not relinquish its current positions in Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed, rejecting a draft proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump's team. Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to national security, stating, "We will not withdraw from our current lines until Hamas is completely disarmed."

Tensions over the agreement's terms, such as the timing of an Israeli withdrawal and the process for dismantling Hamas' weapons, tunnels, and military infrastructure, have escalated. Following a request by Board of Peace Director-General Nikolay Mladenov, Israeli forces in Gaza have been given new directives limiting attacks to those necessary to neutralize immediate threats.

Targeted killings now require approval from the IDF chief of staff and political leadership. These stricter operational rules do not prevent IDF soldiers from defending themselves or their territory. The dispute primarily revolves around whether Israel should initiate a gradual withdrawal as Hamas relinquishes portions of its arsenal or if any pullback should occur only after the terrorist group is fully disarmed.

The Board of Peace advocates for a withdrawal beyond the "yellow line" only after Hamas' complete disarmament, including light weapons, heavy weapons, and tunnels. Initially, the Board referred to a "full withdrawal" beyond the yellow line, but later removed the word "full" from its statement. While President Trump and his advisers believe they can secure Hamas' disarmament and demilitarize Gaza, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel has not agreed to the proposal.

The Israeli leader stated, "President Trump and his team believe they can bring about Hamas' disarmament and demilitarize Gaza. We are examining that. They sent us a draft. We did not agree to it. It is not our draft." Netanyahu noted that Israel had previously submitted its comments before the dispute gained public attention. "We sent our comments, and we sent them before the media campaign on the matter began. That is our position. We stand firm on our interests, both wisely and forcefully."