Key facts
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a U.S.-backed peace plan for Gaza.
- Netanyahu stated Israel will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is disarmed.
- The plan proposed Hamas disarm and relinquish governance in exchange for Israeli withdrawal.
- Hamas indicated willingness to disarm, linking it to the establishment of a Palestinian state.
- President Donald Trump described his relationship with Netanyahu as 'very good.'
- Netanyahu faces domestic political pressure ahead of upcoming elections.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a U.S.-backed peace plan for Gaza, a move that risks domestic political fallout and international criticism. Netanyahu stated that Israel will not withdraw from the enclave until Hamas has been 'genuinely disarmed,' and that a Palestinian state will not be established in Gaza or the West Bank under his leadership. The plan, announced by the White House in late July, would have required Hamas to disarm and relinquish governance in Gaza in exchange for Israel's withdrawal of military forces. Hamas has indicated it would disarm but linked this to the establishment of a Palestinian state, a prospect Israel opposes. The rejection is seen as a blow to peace negotiations brokered by the Trump administration since September. Israel is unlikely to make significant concessions ahead of legislative elections scheduled for October, where Netanyahu faces a challenging reelection battle. He stated he is discussing potential next steps with U.S. officials, noting some ideas are acceptable and others are not.