Netanyahu Rejects US-Backed Gaza Plan Endorsed by Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a US-led plan for Gaza that was endorsed by Hamas, openly challenging an initiative backed by President Donald Trump.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu said Israel rejected the 15-point proposal and insisted that Israeli forces would not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas was fully disarmed.

Netanyahu said the Israeli military would continue operations to prevent threats against its forces and citizens, while confirming that Israel had communicated its objections to the United States.

Although he described Trump as “our greatest friend in the White House,” Netanyahu stressed that Israel would not accept every aspect of the US proposal.

The Israeli leader’s rejection comes amid growing opposition to the plan from his right-wing political base. Far-right members of his cabinet have urged him to oppose the proposal and call a fresh election.

Netanyahu is facing a closely contested political battle ahead of Israel’s October 27 election, the country’s first since Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack. Recent opinion polls suggest he is either tied or trailing in some surveys.

Hamas, which recently selected Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader, has endorsed the Gaza plan and called on Washington to pressure Netanyahu’s government to accept it.

“We expect the mediators and the American guarantor to pressure Netanyahu and his government to adhere to the roadmap and not obstruct the process for internal political and electoral reasons,” Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim said.