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Netanyahu Rejects 15-Point Plan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected US President Donald Trump’s 15-point plan for Gaza, telling a Cabinet meeting that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" and that Israeli troops would not withdraw until Hamas is "genuinely disarmed."
“Israel rejects the 15-point document”
Netanyahu said the Israeli military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and added that this included "heavy weaponry, lighter weaponry, all weaponry."
The dispute centers on Trump’s Board of Peace proposal for Hamas to disarm in exchange for Israeli withdrawal, while Hamas said handing over heavy weapons was contingent on Israel ending "all forms of aggression" and withdrawing its forces from Gaza.
Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim said, "We expect the mediators and the American guarantor to pressure Netanyahu and his government to adhere to the roadmap," and Hamas said Sunday it remained committed to the roadmap.
Board of Peace Pushback
In response to Netanyahu’s rejection, Nickolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace’s high representative for Gaza, told Israel’s Channel 12 that the option being offered was "the only way forward that ensures this tragedy does not happen again."
Netanyahu framed his position as rejecting any withdrawal before disarmament, saying the IDF "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is disarmed" and insisting that it meant "genuine disarmament, not fictitious disarmament."
The BBC reported that a Hamas official told it on Sunday the group "reaffirms it commitment" to the agreement and was ready "to engage seriously and responsibly" in implementing the 15-point plan.
The BBC also reported that Netanyahu’s rejection signals "another blow for Trump's Gaza peace plan," while the Guardian described it as a "rare public break with Donald Trump" and quoted Netanyahu saying, "Israel does not accept the 15-point document."
Elections and What’s at Risk
The rejection comes as Netanyahu faces elections scheduled for October 27, with the BBC describing it as a politically sensitive moment and noting that he is running level with or behind rivals in some polls.
“elections scheduled for October 27”
CNN reported that Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition faces an election at the end of October and is trailing in opinion polls, while he balances pressure from Washington with demands from hardline ministers not to make concessions to Hamas.
The BBC said the war was triggered by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, and it cited that about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.
The BBC also reported that "about 1.9 million people - 90% of Gaza's population" have been displaced since the war began, and it said the Israeli military says five of its soldiers have been killed during the same period.
