In brief
President Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly dismissed Donald Trump’s 15‑point plan for Gaza in a cabinet meeting, arguing that any withdrawal of Israeli troops must only come after Hamas is genuinely disarmed. Trump’s Board of Peace had declared that a ceasefire would be followed by complete disarmament of armed groups in Gaza, but Hamas has linked its surrender to the end of Israeli aggression and troop withdrawal. Netanyahu’s stance signals a tougher approach ahead of upcoming elections, as far‑right allies criticize the plan as unacceptable. The dispute highlights the fragile dynamics of US‑Israel relations and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected President Donald Trump’s 15‑point Gaza peace plan during a cabinet meeting on Sunday, stating that a military pull‑out will not occur until Hamas is fully and genuinely disarmed.
The Trump‑led Board of Peace last month announced it had reached an agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. Hamas has said it will hand over heavy weapons only after Israel stops all forms of aggression and withdraws its forces from Gaza.
Since agreeing to an initial ceasefire in October, Israel has continued to strike Gaza. Netanyahu’s decision follows European intelligence which notes that the plan is only “fictitious” if Hamas is not truly demobilised.
With elections looming, Netanyahu appears unlikely to concede to political pressure from his far‑right allies, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir who called the draft unacceptable. Discussions with U.S. officials will determine the next steps, but the prospect of a swift Gaza withdrawal looks slim.
The 15‑point plan originally proposed the creation of a Board of Peace to oversee implementation, the disarmament of Hamas, withdrawal of Israeli troops and a reconstruction programme for Gaza—illustrating the high stakes of Middle Eastern diplomacy and the ongoing volatility of the region.
