Netanyahu Rejects U.S. Proposed Gaza Plan

Rejection of the 15-Point Plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused a plan presented by the U.S. Board of Peace aiming to resolve the situation in Gaza. Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces will remain in the area until Hamas is completely disarmed.

During a Cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu clarified that Israel opposed what he described as a symbolic disarmament process. His main concern was the sequence proposed in the U.S. plan, which linked Hamas’ disarmament to phased Israeli troop withdrawals and the handing over of Gaza’s governance to a U.S.-supported Palestinian committee.

Prime Minister’s Stance on Gaza and Statehood

Netanyahu highlighted that Israel needs to maintain the capability to act against threats from Gaza. He firmly reiterated his opposition to establishing a Palestinian state.

In his statement during the Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu emphasized, “Israel rejects the 15-point document.” He stressed that no Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) withdrawal would occur until Hamas completely surrenders all its weaponry. Netanyahu described this requirement as comprehensive and insisted on genuine disarmament, not a superficial effort.

Netanyahu’s position conflicts with the proposal’s strategy of decommissioning Hamas’ weapons in stages alongside Israeli withdrawals. He made it clear that Israel, although in talks with Washington, would not accept every suggestion offered by its close ally.

Regarding the security situation, Netanyahu confirmed ongoing military operations in Gaza, asserting, “As long as I am prime minister, there will be no Palestinian state, not in Gaza and not in Judea and Samaria.”

The 15-Point Gaza Roadmap

The U.S.-led Board of Peace released a 15-point proposal as part of Trump’s broader Gaza initiative aiming to cease military operations and advancing political resolutions. This plan linked disarmament of Hamas to an Israeli military withdrawal and a subsequent transfer of administrative duties to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).

Under the proposal, various Palestinian factions would relinquish authority to the NCAG, an interim Palestinian technocratic body. The committee, backed by the Board of Peace, would oversee public services, financial matters, and internal security. The security strategy emphasized “One Authority, One Law, One Weapon,” with police officers vetted by NCAG.

An International Verification Committee would ensure compliance, alongside a temporary International Stabilization Force, to monitor the ceasefire and facilitate aid.

Key to the roadmap was its step-by-step approach, linking disarmament to phased Israeli withdrawal. The plan also aimed to set a course toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood, contradicting Netanyahu’s firm stance against Palestinian statehood. Hamas offered tentative support, contingent on the cessation of Israeli attacks and Israel fulfilling its obligations. The main hurdle remains the disagreement on whether disarmament or withdrawal should come first.