Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to Donald Trump’s recent Gaza proposal on Sunday, despite Israel’s military significantly reducing attacks in the region under pressure from the U.S. president. Netanyahu made these statements during a televised address to his right-wing government, as he gears up for re-election with voting scheduled for October 27.
Netanyahu finds himself in a delicate position, balancing the demands of far-right ministers displeased with Gaza concessions and the expectations of Trump, who is pushing for progress in resolving the conflict with a new 15-point peace initiative. Israel has decreased its military actions in Gaza following a meeting between Nikolay Mladenov, the Gaza envoy for Trump’s Board of Peace overseeing the ceasefire, and Netanyahu on Monday.
According to a source familiar with Israel’s stance, an agreement was reached for the military to only respond to immediate threats in Gaza and cease targeted assassinations that were previously conducted regularly. Despite Trump’s announcement of progress in ending the conflict, disagreements have arisen between Israel and Hamas regarding the proposed timelines.
Netanyahu emphasized that Israel does not endorse the 15-point document, stating that the military will not withdraw until Hamas disarms completely. He highlighted the need for genuine disarmament, stressing ongoing discussions with the United States on the plan. Hamas, on the other hand, remains committed to the agreed roadmap mediated by Cairo, as confirmed by senior Hamas official Basem Naim.
Trump’s assertion that Hamas had agreed to disarm following the 2023 attack on Israel has faced challenges, with Israel insisting on disarmament before any troop movement and Hamas demanding a cessation of attacks first. The implementation of the plan hinges on Israel fulfilling its commitments, including withdrawal, as per Hamas’s stance.
Since the ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S. in October, Israel had vowed to pursue all militants involved in the 2023 attack before ceasing targeted strikes. The conflict has resulted in a significant death toll, with over 1,250 casualties, predominantly civilians, according to Gaza health authorities. The region remains heavily impacted by the conflict, with most of Gaza’s two million residents confined to Hamas-controlled areas, living in precarious conditions.