Netanyahu Rejects US-Backed Gaza Plan, Citing Internal Pressure
At a glance
- Israel has not agreed to the US-backed Gaza plan, despite assurances of Hamas disarmament.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu faces pressure from his right-wing coalition to reject the deal.
- Hostilities continue in Gaza, with significant casualties reported.
Story so far
Israel has expressed concerns regarding a US-backed Gaza plan, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu now explicitly stating that Israel did not agree to the proposed draft. His office previously emphasized that genuine, verifiable, and irreversible demilitarisation of Hamas is the indispensable first step for any lasting arrangement. This stance is maintained despite Hamas announcing its agreement to a deal stage involving handing over weapons, which the US had praised. Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, insist that forces will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is disarmed and its tunnels destroyed, citing intelligence of Hamas rearming. Meanwhile, Hamas demands Israel halt attacks before implementing arms-related provisions. Hostilities have continued, resulting in significant casualties, and Israeli forces have reportedly occupied a large portion of the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu faces internal political pressure from his right-wing coalition to reject the US-backed plan.
Latest development
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has explicitly stated that Israel did not agree to the US-backed plan for Gaza, despite assurances of Hamas disarmament. He confirmed that a draft was received but was not Israel's, and comments were sent back. This statement comes amid growing pressure from his right-wing coalition to reject the deal, with two far-right ministers requesting a new vote.
Latest updates
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has explicitly stated that Israel did not agree to the US-backed plan for Gaza, despite assurances that an Israeli pullout would only occur after Hamas disarms. In a video statement, Netanyahu clarified that while his team received a draft from the US, it was not Israel's draft, and comments were sent back. He noted that the US team believes they can achieve Hamas's disarmament and Gaza's demilitarisation. This comes amidst growing pressure from the right flank of his ruling coalition to reject the deal. Two far-right ministers, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Settlement Minister Orit Strook, have requested a new vote on the plan, arguing it does not reflect original discussions, even though the security cabinet had previously voted in favour of the proposal, which includes the deployment of international peacekeeping troops in the Gaza Strip. A scheduled security cabinet meeting was postponed due to primary voting in Netanyahu's Likud Party.
A mass funeral has reportedly been held for victims in Gaza. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stance on rejecting a Gaza ceasefire continues to be highlighted amidst ongoing tensions.
Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye have expressed deep concern over reported violations of the Gaza ceasefire, urging all parties to uphold the truce and prevent further escalation.
Palestinians in Gaza stated on Monday that US President Donald Trump’s promotion of a deal to disarm Hamas and end the conflict was out of touch with their deteriorating reality. This came after Israeli forces killed 18 people, marking one of the deadliest days since a ceasefire last year.
Complications have emerged regarding the peace plan. Israel’s defense minister confirmed on Sunday that Israeli troops in Gaza would not withdraw before Hamas disarms and its tunnels are destroyed. Conversely, Hamas insisted Israel halt attacks before it begins implementing the disarmament aspect of the agreement.
Intensifying Israeli strikes have reportedly shattered hopes for progress. Israeli troops have occupied and depopulated two-thirds of the enclave, confining over two million residents to a small coastal strip. Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the Israeli-held area has reached 60 to 70 percent as troops search for tunnels.
Among those killed on Sunday were a couple and their child in an Israeli strike on a Gaza City apartment. The Israeli military stated it targeted military operatives in this and other strikes.
Latest Fact Checks
Netanyahu says Israel did not agree to US-backed Gaza plan
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel did not agree to the US-backed plan for Gaza, even after receiving assurances that an Israeli pullout would only happen after Hamas disarms. In a video posted to his social media a
After deadly day, Gazans say Trump's touting of plan jars with grim reality
Palestinians in Gaza said on Monday that US President Donald Trump’s touting of a deal aimed at disarming Hamas and ending the war was out of touch with their worsening reality, after Israel killed 18 people in one of the deadliest days since a cease
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