ISRAELI LEADERSHIP OFFICIALLY REJECTS U.S. 15-POINT PLAN FOR GAZA, CONDITIONING WITHDRAWAL ON FULL HAMAS DISARMAMENT

ISRAELI LEADERSHIP OFFICIALLY REJECTS U.S. 15-POINT PLAN FOR GAZA, CONDITIONING WITHDRAWAL ON FULL HAMAS DISARMAMENT

In a statement at the Cabinet meeting this Sunday (August 9, 2026), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will maintain operational positions in the Palestinian enclave until the effective disarmament of light and heavy weapons.

The Government of Israel formalized, during the opening of the weekly cabinet meeting held this Sunday morning (9), its rejection of the 15-point document drafted by the U.S. administration's "Board of Peace." The proposal aimed to establish guidelines for the second phase of the ceasefire and the eventual withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip.

In an official public statement addressed to the cabinet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified the country's diplomatic and operational stance:

"I would like to be precise: Israel rejects the 15-point document. The Israel Defense Forces will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is truly disarmed — which encompasses heavy weaponry, light weaponry, and all types of arms. We are talking about genuine disarmament, not a fictional one."

Key Highlights of the Official Statement:

Dialogue with the U.S.: Israel confirmed the continuation of diplomatic channels with Washington to align on differences. According to the Cabinet, ideas presented by the American administration remain under review, but proposals that compromise Israel's security requirements were deemed unacceptable.

Inviolability of Sovereignty: The government reiterated that national security and the safety of its citizens are non-negotiable. The Prime Minister emphasized that the stance opposing the creation of a Palestinian state in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank remains unchanged.

Preventive Containment Measures: The IDF remains authorized to conduct targeted operations to counter imminent threats to ground troops and border areas.