On Sunday, August 9th, 2026, Israel formally rejected US President Donald Trump's 15-point Gaza Peace Plan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Israeli military would not withdraw from the Palestinian enclave of Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed.

Netanyahu emphasized in a Cabinet meeting, “When I say Hamas must be disarmed, I mean heavy weapons, lighter weapons, all weapons. We are talking about genuine disarmament, not a fictitious one.” He also affirmed that the Israeli army would continue “to thwart threats against our forces and citizens.”

The US plan, promoted by Trump last month as a breakthrough, called for a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza alongside Hamas's disarmament. However, Netanyahu made clear that Israel would not begin any withdrawal until Hamas fully lays down arms.

Additionally, Netanyahu declared there would be no Palestinian state in Gaza or the West Bank as long as he remains Israel’s leader.

Sources