Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israeli forces will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed, deepening a major dispute over a U.S.-backed proposal aimed at ending the war in the Palestinian territory.

Speaking at the start of a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu said Israel had rejected the latest 15-point Gaza peace roadmap promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, insisting that any Israeli military withdrawal must come only after Hamas surrenders all of its weapons. Media outlet reported that Netanyahu specified the demand applied to “heavy weaponry, lighter weaponry, all weaponry.”

The proposal, announced by Trump last month, reportedly envisions a phased Israeli withdrawal, the disarmament of Hamas, and the deployment of an international stabilization force working alongside a new Palestinian police force to help govern and secure Gaza. However, Israel and Hamas remain divided over the sequence of implementation.

Dispute Over Timing

Israeli officials argue that Hamas must disarm first, while Hamas has said it will not begin implementing any arms-related provisions until Israeli attacks cease and withdrawal begins. Hamas has indicated it remains committed to the broader framework under mediation involving Egypt, Qatar, and other regional actors, but disputes key wording and security guarantees.

Israeli Operations Reduced

The latest comments come after reports that Israel has scaled back military strikes in Gaza since earlier this week following meetings between Netanyahu and Nikolay Mladenov, a senior envoy involved in the U.S.-led peace effort. Despite the reduction in attacks, Israeli officials say the military retains the right to respond to immediate threats.

Political Pressure on Netanyahu

Netanyahu is also facing intense domestic political pressure ahead of Israel’s scheduled October 27 election. Far-right coalition ministers have opposed any withdrawal from Gaza and have demanded the complete dismantling of Hamas before reconstruction or political negotiations proceed.

Humanitarian Situation Remains Severe

The continued deadlock has raised concerns among international mediators and humanitarian organizations. More than two million Palestinians remain displaced, and large parts of Gaza continue to suffer from extensive destruction, shortages of essential supplies, and limited civilian infrastructure.

The disagreement over Hamas’s disarmament and Israel’s withdrawal has become one of the central obstacles to securing a lasting ceasefire, leaving the future of Gaza’s governance and reconstruction uncertain despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

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