Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the 15-point peace plan for Gaza created by the US-led Board of Peace. The plan called for Israel to begin withdrawing forces in tandem with the disarmament of Hamas, aiming to end the Israel-Palestine conflict that started in October 2023.

Despite Netanyahu's outright rejection, US President Donald Trump insisted on Monday, August 10, 2026, that his relationship with Netanyahu remains "very good." Trump made the remark in response to a journalist's question at an Oval Office event in the White House.

Trump had announced the ceasefire framework late last month, stating that Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza had accepted a phased plan to surrender their weapons to a new Palestinian governing body, with Israel beginning troop withdrawals alongside disarmament.

Netanyahu, however, stated that the Israeli army "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and vowed that "no Palestinian state will arise as long as I am prime minister." He also mentioned ongoing talks with the Americans regarding the issue.

The White House reportedly views Netanyahu's rejection as campaign rhetoric ahead of a general election and is "not bothered" by his statement. Israeli journalist Barak Ravid quoted a senior US official saying, "We understand Bibi's political needs" and that they have no problem as long as Netanyahu continues to restrain attacks in Gaza.

Recent days have seen a pause in Israeli strikes on Gaza, a demand Hamas made when agreeing to the US-backed roadmap. Plans for the deployment of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) and construction of its first base in southern Gaza remain scheduled, potentially enabling reconstruction efforts.

Nickolay Mladenov, High Commissioner for Gaza who led negotiations with Hamas, described the deal as a "step-by-step approach" where verified decommissioning of weapons would lead to Israel withdrawing from Gaza.

Sources