Israel rejects Trump's 15-point plan for Gaza, says Netanyahu

What Happened

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel rejects the 15-point Gaza peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, stating that the Israeli military will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas fully disarms. The plan, a copy of which was obtained by Middle East Eye, outlined a phased disarmament process whereby weapons of Hamas and other Palestinian factions would remain in Palestinian hands and be placed under the control of a body called the National Committee, with no transfer to Israel. The document made any Israeli withdrawal contingent upon verified completion of prior obligations, with an international commission conducting verification. Netanyahu's rejection comes despite a ceasefire agreed upon by Israel and Hamas last October, and Israel has continued near-daily strikes on Gaza since then. Trump had described the plan as a 'monumental step toward lasting PEACE and SECURITY,' but Netanyahu insisted the Israeli army 'will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed.'

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The rejection exposes a fundamental deadlock in ceasefire negotiations: Israel demands Hamas disarm before any withdrawal, while the 15-point plan envisions phased disarmament with weapons remaining under Palestinian control and withdrawal contingent on verified compliance. This divergence threatens to unravel the October ceasefire and prolong the Gaza war, potentially escalating regional tensions and straining US-Israel relations as Washington advocates a path that Israel's leadership deems unacceptable.

Watch For

Monitor whether Israeli strikes on Gaza continue despite the ceasefire; any US diplomatic pressure on Israel to reconsider the plan; Hamas's response to the rejection, including potential resumption of hostilities; and any developments regarding the formation or recognition of the National Committee as a governing body in Gaza.