Netanyahu rejects Trump’s Gaza plan and vows no withdrawal until Hamas disarms – as it happened

What Happened

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a 15-point Gaza plan endorsed by Hamas in late July, which was part of a US-led ceasefire framework announced in October. During a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu stated that Israel will not carry out any military withdrawal from Gaza until Hamas is 'genuinely disarmed,' and that Israel will continue to thwart threats against its forces and citizens. The plan called for Hamas to surrender weapons to a nascent Palestinian governing body and for Israel to begin a pullout in tandem, an idea Israel rejects. Netanyahu insisted on Hamas giving up all its weapons, describing the requirement as 'real disarmament, not fictitious disarmament,' while Board of Peace members called the goal unrealistic. Netanyahu confirmed discussions with the US about Israel's objections, saying some US ideas are acceptable and some are not.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Netanyahu's rejection of the plan deepens the impasse over Gaza's future, stalling the US-led ceasefire framework that had reduced but not ended Israeli operations. The demand for full Hamas disarmament before any pullout is a maximalist position that undermines the sequencing in the proposed deal, likely prolonging military operations and delaying humanitarian and governance transitions. The statement signals that Israel will not compromise on security control, potentially pushing any negotiated resolution further out of reach.

Watch For

Whether the US alters its approach in response to Netanyahu's objections, and whether Hamas issues a counterproposal or escalates actions. Also monitor any concrete next steps in US-Israel discussions and signs of resumed or intensified military operations in Gaza, as well as reactions from mediators Egypt and Qatar.