Israel rejects Trump's 15-point Gaza plan, Netanyahu insists Hamas disarm first

Israel has formally rejected a 15-point plan for Gaza put forward by former US President Donald Trump, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisting that no withdrawal from the Strip will happen until Hamas is fully disarmed.

The decision, confirmed by the Prime Minister's Office on Sunday, signals a sharp divergence from Washington's latest diplomatic push. Netanyahu's remarks — reported by Reuters and other international outlets — were blunt: Israel knows how to stand up to American ideas when its security is at stake.

What the 15-point plan proposed

The Trump plan, details of which have been circulating in diplomatic circles for weeks, reportedly outlined a phased Israeli withdrawal, a temporary governance framework for Gaza, and a pathway for reconstruction. It was seen by many as an attempt to break the post-conflict deadlock that has left the Strip in limbo.

But Israeli officials have consistently argued that any pullback without the complete dismantling of Hamas's military wing would amount to handing victory to the group. The plan, they say, did not offer sufficient guarantees on this front.

Netanyahu's firm stance

Speaking to reporters, Netanyahu made clear that Jerusalem would not be swayed by pressure, even from its closest ally. “We know how to stand up to American ideas,” he said, adding that the security of Israeli citizens remains the overriding consideration.

His statement leaves little room for ambiguity: no withdrawal, no ceasefire extension, no reconstruction — until Hamas lays down its arms. This position has been echoed by other members of his security cabinet in recent days.

Reactions from Washington and beyond

There has been no immediate official response from the Trump camp or the US State Department. However, the rejection is an embarrassment for American mediators who had hoped to present the plan as a viable compromise acceptable to both sides.

Regional observers note that the rift could complicate ongoing ceasefire negotiations and delay much-needed humanitarian aid into Gaza. Egypt and Qatar, both key interlocutors, have yet to comment publicly on Israel's refusal.

What this means for Gaza's future

The collapse of the 15-point proposal does not, in itself, produce a new roadmap. The status quo — a fragile ceasefire, limited aid entry, and no clear political horizon — is likely to persist. Israeli officials have hinted that they are prepared for a long-term military presence if necessary.

Palestinian factions, including Hamas, have not issued a formal response to Netanyahu's rejection. But earlier signals from the group suggested they would not accept any plan that did not guarantee a full Israeli withdrawal as a first step.

With both sides entrenched, the immediate outlook is for continued stalemate. Washington may either revise its approach or shift focus to other regional priorities, but for now, the ball remains in Netanyahu's court — and he has made clear he is in no rush to play.

What happens next depends on whether the US chooses to press harder, sweeten the deal, or step back. For Gaza's residents, the wait for a political solution — and for normal life — goes on.