Netanyahu Formally Rejects Trump Peace Board Plan for Gaza Over Disarmament Sequencing

What Happened

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel will not accept the 15-point peace plan for Gaza established by President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace. During a Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu specified that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will maintain their presence in Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed. This statement directly contradicts the phased withdrawal timeline previously outlined in the Trump administration's proposal.

While Donald Trump recently claimed a breakthrough following Hamas's stated willingness to lay down arms, Netanyahu described the necessary disarmament as a total removal of both light and heavy weaponry. He characterized anything less as "fictitious disarmament." Hamas, meanwhile, has maintained its stance that disarmament would only occur following a total Israeli withdrawal, a cessation of hostilities, and the eventual establishment of a Palestinian state.

Background

The 15-point document, originally introduced in September of last year, established a Board of Peace to oversee a roadmap involving troop withdrawals, the disarmament of Hamas, and the reconstruction of Gaza. Tensions regarding the plan have escalated within the Israeli government, where far-right members, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have pressured the Prime Minister to abandon the draft.

Why It Matters

Netanyahu's explicit rejection of the plan comes as he faces a domestic political contest ahead of elections scheduled for October. Analysts suggest the Prime Minister may be seeking a confrontation with the U.S. administration to bolster his domestic standing, focusing on a platform of military victory over Hamas rather than diplomatic concessions. Furthermore, Netanyahu reaffirmed his long-standing policy that no Palestinian state will be established under his leadership, a position that remains at odds with the conditional terms suggested by Hamas and elements of international peace proposals.

Key Facts

• The 15-point plan was created by the Trump administration’s Board of Peace.
• Netanyahu demands the removal of all heavy and light weapons before any IDF withdrawal occurs.
• Hamas previously agreed to a roadmap but conditioned disarmament on the establishment of a Palestinian state.
• Israeli national elections are scheduled for October.
• Internal cabinet pressure from figures like Itamar Ben Gvir has influenced the rejection of the current draft.