Netanyahu rejects Trump's Gaza plan, vows no pullout until Hamas disarms

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed a Gaza plan backed by US President Donald Trump on Sunday, asserting Israel would not withdraw its military until Hamas is "genuinely" disarmed. The plan, a 15-point document endorsed by Hamas in late July, called for Hamas to surrender weapons to a new Palestinian governing body.

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed and continues to counter threats against its forces and citizens. The US-led ceasefire, announced in October, has reduced but not ended Israeli operations in Gaza. The plan also stated that Israel would begin pulling out forces in tandem with the disarmament, an idea Israel adamantly rejected.

After Netanyahu's meeting with Trump's team last week, the Board of Peace backed off and said Israel would only need to withdraw after complete disarmament. Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader and currently in a tight race for re-election, has faced pressure from his far-right allies to end the Gaza plan. He stated that Israel is discussing its objections with the United States, acknowledging some ideas may be accepted, but stressing that imposing complete disarmament is unfeasible.