Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (August 9, 2026) rejected a Gaza plan hailed by U.S.
President Donald Trump, vowing no military pullout until Hamas is “genuinely” disarmed.
Hamas to Surrender Weapons Under U.S.-Led Ceasefire Agreement
In a significant development within the ongoing U.S.-led ceasefire that commenced in October, Hamas has committed to surrendering its weapons to a newly established Palestinian governing body. This ceasefire has thus far curtailed Israeli military operations in Gaza, though it has not completely halted them.
Political Context
After meeting Mr. Netanyahu last week, Mr. Mr. Mr.
“Israel rejects the 15-point document,” Mr. Netanyahu said, referring to a plan endorsed in late July by Hamas. 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,” Mr. Netanyahu said at a cabinet meeting. The plan said Israel would begin pulling out forces in tandem with the disarmament, an idea adamantly rejected by Israel which also wants Hamas to destroy its weapons. Trump’s body implementing the deal, dubbed the Board of Peace, backtracked and said Israel would only need to withdraw after “complete” disarmament. Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader, who, according to polls, is in a tight race to stay in power, has faced calls from his far-right allies to hold a new cabinet vote and end the Gaza plan. Netanyahu said that Israel was speaking with the United States about its objections.
