Netanyahu rejects 15-point Gaza disarmament plan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel will not accept a 15-point peace council plan for the disarmament of Gaza, a stance that contradicts reports suggesting Israeli agreement with the US-backed proposal. Speaking at the start of his weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu stated: "I want to make it clear here: Israel rejects the 15-point document." He added that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would not withdraw from any part of the Gaza Strip until Hamas is completely disarmed. According to Netanyahu, this disarmament must include all weaponry, from heavy and semi-heavy arms to other munitions, insisting on "real, not superficial" disarmament. While Hamas has agreed to the roadmap in principle, it has avoided the term "disarmament," suggesting instead that it would hand over its weapons to a US-backed Palestinian technocratic government tasked with administering Gaza under the peace council's oversight. Israeli officials have warned that Hamas may use this process to prevent the resumption of Israeli military operations, with some senior officials describing Hamas's agreement to the plan as a "strategic ambush." Although the Israeli security cabinet agreed last month to the entry of an international stabilization force to oversee disarmament, several ministers have urged Netanyahu to explicitly oppose specific terms, including the withdrawal of the IDF. Netanyahu noted that Israel is in discussions with the US regarding its concerns, accepting some of Washington's proposals while rejecting others. He emphasised that Israel would not compromise on its security interests, even against its closest allies, and that the military would continue to counter threats to its forces and citizens. While expressing "great appreciation" for US President Donald Trump, Netanyahu stated he would resist pressure from him if necessary. He also reiterated that as long as he is Prime Minister, Iran will not obtain nuclear weapons, regardless of any potential agreements. Regarding Lebanon, Netanyahu stated that Israel has acted with intensity in recent days, killing a number of "terrorists," including in the Ali al-Tahir ridge area. He did not disclose further details, describing the situation as a "very important operation" being conducted with caution and prudence. The Prime Minister added that the security of Israeli citizens is non-negotiable and stated he would never accept the establishment of a Palestinian state in Gaza or the West Bank. Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's far-right Finance Minister, welcomed Netanyahu's position, stating that the primary goal of the war remains the destruction of Hamas. He added that the army should not withdraw "a single millimetre" from the Gaza Strip and that reconstruction should not begin until the full dissolution and disarmament of Hamas and the Gaza Strip are achieved.