Netanyahu rejects Trump’s Gaza peace plan, says Israeli troops will not withdraw until Hamas is disarmed

JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the 15-point peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump to end the war in Gaza, saying Israeli forces will not withdraw from the territory until Hamas is completely disarmed.

Netanyahu made the announcement at a Cabinet meeting on Sunday, after Israel had not officially responded to Trump’s peace proposal, which was put forward under the name “Board of Peace.” He said Israeli forces would remain in Gaza until Hamas was disarmed and that Israel would continue taking measures to prevent threats against its soldiers and civilians.

Netanyahu’s remarks came as Israeli military attacks continued in Gaza despite an existing ceasefire agreement. He also said Israel would not hesitate to oppose even its closest allies if necessary.

The development comes amid indications that Netanyahu’s move is linked to the upcoming elections in Israel. His latest statement is also significant against the backdrop of widespread criticism in Israel that Netanyahu does only what Trump says.