On Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will not withdraw from its current positions in Gaza until Hamas has completely disarmed. This stance directly challenges a recent agreement announced by US President Donald Trump, which proposed that Hamas begin disarming while Israel halts strikes and withdraws from approximately 60% of Gaza it currently controls.

The deal, based on an October ceasefire that ended major military operations and secured the release of hostages held in Gaza, had been viewed as a potential breakthrough toward ending the conflict. However, Netanyahu’s remarks introduce significant doubt about its implementation and reveal a rare public disagreement with the Trump administration.

Netanyahu, who is preparing for a difficult reelection campaign in October, emphasized that Israeli forces will continue to “do whatever is necessary to protect themselves, our territory, and our citizens.” He also noted in a social media video that Israel submitted its comments on the deal prior to any media coverage, underscoring that this position is firm.

The agreement also envisaged the deployment of an International Stabilization Force and the establishment of an independent Palestinian administration to oversee governance and reconstruction in Gaza.

Sources