Israel Rejects Gaza Withdrawal Until Hamas Fully Disarms Under U.S. Deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has voiced significant skepticism about the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement with Hamas, which aims to dismantle the militant group’s military infrastructure in exchange for an Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza. Doron Spielman, a spokesperson for Netanyahu’s office, emphasized that Israel’s intelligence assessments indicate Hamas is not genuinely committed to disarming, stating, Disarming means physically giving up the weapons. Nothing less.

Israeli Officials Express Security Concerns

The U.S.-brokered agreement, announced by President Donald Trump, envisions a phased process for Hamas to surrender its weapons and dismantle its network of tunnels, alongside the deployment of an international security force and a new technocratic Palestinian government. However, the plan faces hurdles, including Hamas’s reluctance to fully comply and Israel’s political calculus ahead of its October elections.

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Hamas’s Commitment and Challenges

Hamas has publicly agreed to disarm as part of the ceasefire, but the process remains fraught with obstacles. A copy of the agreement obtained by the Associated Press (AP) states that all weapons held by Hamas-run police will be transferred to a U.S.-backed Palestinian committee upon its arrival in Gaza. However, the timeline for this transfer is unclear, as it depends on other conditions, including the deployment of international forces.

The deal also outlines a process to decommission heavy weapons and dismantle military production sites and tunnels, which would begin after the Palestinian committee’s arrival and international force deployment. However, Israeli officials have expressed skepticism about Hamas’s willingness to follow through, citing the group’s history of rebuilding its military after previous ceasefires.

Israel Rejects Gaza Proposal and Demands Complete Hamas Disarmament

The U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire Plan

Trump’s 20-point plan calls for a carefully structured phases approach to disarming Hamas, with the goal of ending the nearly three-year conflict. The agreement, signed nine months ago, has been criticized for its lack of clarity on timelines and enforcement mechanisms. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, facing a tough re-election campaign, has been reluctant to make significant concessions, with his far-right coalition partners urging him to maintain pressure on Hamas.

The Gaza Health Ministry, which was part of the recently dissolved Hamas-run government, reports that over 73,000 people have been killed in the conflict, with women and children making up nearly half of the fatalities. The ministry’s data, while not distinguishing between civilians and militants, is regarded as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and international organizations.

Political and Electoral Dynamics in Israel

Israel’s reluctance to withdraw troops is closely tied to its domestic politics. Netanyahu’s re-election bid faces challenges from both his far-right allies, who demand continued military pressure on Hamas, and opponents who blame him for failing to prevent the Oct. 7 attack. The prime minister has emphasized that any troop withdrawal must be contingent on Hamas’s complete disarmament, a condition that remains unmet.

The agreement’s success hinges on the arrival of the U.S.-backed Palestinian committee and the deployment of international forces, both of which are subject to delays. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continue, with recent strikes in Gaza City killing at least 17 people, including children, according to AP reports. The violence underscores the fragile state of the ceasefire and the high stakes for both sides.

As the situation evolves, the international community remains divided. The path to a lasting resolution remains unclear, with both sides prioritizing security concerns over immediate concessions.