Netanyahu rejects Trump peace plan for Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has flatly rejected the U.S.-backed plan for postwar governance of Gaza, declaring that Israel will not withdraw its troops until Hamas is fully disarmed. Speaking to Israeli media on Sunday, Netanyahu called the American proposals “unacceptable” and said any plan must prioritize Israel’s security demands over international pressure.

The rejection marks a sharp break with the Trump administration, which has pushed for a rapid transition to civilian rule in Gaza under a multinational framework. Netanyahu’s stance reflects deep skepticism toward international oversight and a refusal to compromise on Israel’s insistence that Hamas be dismantled militarily. The dispute underscores the widening gap between the two allies over how to end the war and stabilize the Palestinian territory.

Netanyahu’s comments follow weeks of U.S. diplomacy aimed at brokering a ceasefire and a political roadmap. U.S. officials had proposed a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces in exchange for commitments to demilitarize Gaza and allow limited Palestinian governance. But Netanyahu dismissed the idea, arguing that Hamas cannot be trusted to disarm and that any withdrawal risks leaving Israel exposed to renewed attacks.

Analysts warn the impasse could prolong the conflict and delay reconstruction in Gaza, where over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed since October. Israel’s refusal to withdraw troops without a guarantee of disarmament also complicates efforts to secure international aid and legitimacy for postwar governance. With Hamas still holding Israeli hostages and fighting ongoing in southern Gaza, the stalemate raises questions about whether any diplomatic solution can be reached without further escalation.