Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a US-backed proposal promoted by President Donald Trump that would require Hamas to disarm as part of a broader plan aimed at ending the Gaza conflict, creating a new disagreement between Israel and Washington.
Netanyahu said Israel would not accept a plan that allows any form of partial or symbolic disarmament by Hamas, insisting that the group must completely surrender its military capabilities before Israel considers a full withdrawal of forces from Gaza.
The proposal, supported by Trump’s administration, reportedly includes a pathway involving Hamas disarmament, a phased Israeli military withdrawal, international involvement in Gaza’s future security arrangements and a transition toward new governance structures. However, Netanyahu argued that Israel’s security requirements must come first.
The rejection represents a rare public disagreement between Netanyahu and Trump, who have historically maintained a close political relationship. Analysts say the dispute highlights the complexity of achieving a lasting agreement, as Israel, Hamas and international mediators continue to disagree over security guarantees, withdrawal timelines and Gaza’s future administration.
Israeli officials have argued that withdrawing before Hamas is fully dismantled could allow the group to rebuild its military infrastructure. Netanyahu has maintained that Israel will not accept a situation where Hamas retains weapons or operational capabilities after any ceasefire agreement.
Hamas and Palestinian representatives have also raised objections to parts of the proposed framework, particularly regarding Israeli military presence, sovereignty issues and the conditions attached to disarmament. The disagreement has made progress toward a final settlement increasingly difficult.
The diplomatic dispute comes as international pressure grows for a resolution to the Gaza conflict, with humanitarian concerns, regional security risks and broader Middle East stability remaining major issues for world leaders.
