Netanyahu Rejects Trump's 15-Point Gaza Plan, Refuses Withdrawal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday publicly rejected the 15-point Gaza peace roadmap put forward by US President Donald Trump, stating that no withdrawal of Israeli forces will take place until Hamas is "genuinely" disarmed. The rejection was announced at a cabinet meeting.

Netanyahu's Statement

"Israel rejects the 15-point document," Netanyahu declared. He added that the Israeli military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed and will continue to thwart threats against our forces and our citizens." He stressed the disarmament must be real, not "fictitious."

Background: Trump's Peace Plan

Trump's Board of Peace announced last month that Hamas had for the first time agreed to disarm, on condition that Israel withdraws its forces from Gaza. Trump called it a "monumental step toward lasting peace and security." The plan also called for the creation of an oversight board, the reconstruction of Gaza, and a phased normalization process.

Hamas Reaffirms Commitment

A Hamas official told the BBC on Sunday that the group "reaffirms its commitment" to the agreement and is ready "to engage seriously and responsibly in implementing" the 15-point plan, calling on mediators to ensure all parties comply with what has been agreed.

What Comes Next

Netanyahu said he is now in discussions with US officials about "acceptable" steps forward: "They have ideas; some of them are acceptable to us and some are not." With Israeli elections approaching and far-right coalition partners — including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who called the plan "not acceptable" — pressing for a tough stance, major concessions appear unlikely in the near term.