Israel has rejected the latest US-backed proposal aimed at moving the Gaza conflict toward a longer-term settlement, exposing growing differences between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.
Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel would not accept the proposed 15-point framework in its current form. His government is particularly opposed to any arrangement that would require Israeli troops to withdraw before Hamas has been completely disarmed.
The disagreement represents a significant challenge for efforts to move the conflict into a new phase. The proposal envisions a gradual process involving Hamas disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawals and the establishment of an international stabilization force under US oversight.
Israel Demands Full Disarmament
Netanyahu has made the removal of Hamas’ weapons a central condition for any Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.
The Israeli prime minister argued that disarmament must be genuine and cover the group’s weapons and military capabilities. Israel has also maintained that its security concerns must be addressed before it agrees to significant changes in its military presence.
The position puts Netanyahu at odds with the sequencing outlined in the US-backed proposal. Under the framework, the process would unfold in stages, with Hamas surrendering weapons and Israel gradually pulling its forces back.
Hamas has indicated support for the roadmap but has also called for Israel to halt military strikes and withdraw its troops to positions outlined under the existing ceasefire arrangements. The group has urged international mediators to put pressure on Israel to meet its commitments.
Pressure Grows on Trump and Netanyahu
The disagreement comes as Washington attempts to maintain momentum toward a political solution in Gaza.
Trump has presented the proposal as an important step toward ending the conflict, but Netanyahu’s rejection of the framework creates a difficult diplomatic situation for the US administration.
The Israeli leader also faces pressure from members of his own governing coalition. Far-right ministers have strongly opposed any Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and continue to demand that Hamas be dismantled completely.
At the same time, Israel’s military continues to control large areas of Gaza, making the question of a potential withdrawal one of the most difficult parts of negotiations.
Netanyahu has said discussions with American officials will continue and acknowledged that some elements of the proposal are acceptable to Israel while others are not.
Uncertain Future for Gaza Peace Efforts
The latest disagreement highlights how difficult it may be to translate a proposed peace framework into an agreement acceptable to all sides.
A successful arrangement would need to address Hamas’ weapons, Israeli security demands, troop withdrawals and the future administration of Gaza. It would also require agreement on how an international stabilization force would operate and what role it would play in maintaining security.
For now, the proposed roadmap remains far from implementation. Israel’s insistence on Hamas’ complete disarmament before any withdrawal could become one of the biggest obstacles to progress.
With negotiations continuing and positions still sharply divided, the future of the Gaza ceasefire and broader peace efforts remains uncertain.
