Netanyahu rejects Trump-backed Gaza withdrawal plan, insists Hamas must disarm first

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a US-backed proposal for advancing the Gaza ceasefire, insisting that Israeli troops will only withdraw if Hamas is completely disarmed. This stance highlights the growing divide between Israel and the Trump administration over the implementation of the ceasefire framework, complicating efforts to end the nearly three-year conflict.

According to Netanyahu in a video posted on social media, Israel did not accept the draft proposal presented by the Trump administration and instead submitted its own changes. The US administration had sent a draft, but Israel stated it did not agree with it. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel will not withdraw from the territory it currently controls until Hamas fully surrenders its weapons, emphasizing the need to protect Israeli citizens and territory.

The proposed framework calls for Hamas to begin disarming, Israel to halt military strikes, and Israeli forces to gradually withdraw from roughly 60% of Gaza currently under their control. However, the agreement to build on the October ceasefire, which secured the release of remaining hostages and halted large-scale fighting, remains challenged by the core dispute: Israel insists Hamas must completely disarm first, while Hamas argues Israel must first stop military operations before any meaningful discussion on disarmament can take place.

The ceasefire is stuck due to the continuous accusations of violations from both sides. The Israeli position emphasizes that any withdrawal before Hamas is neutralised would threaten Israeli security, while Hamas argues Israel must stop military operations before any discussion on disarmament can begin. The political ramifications for Netanyahu are significant, as he faces parliamentary elections in October and must reassure his domestic base that security remains the government's top priority.