Netanyahu and Kushner agree US general to verify Hamas disarmament before Gaza withdrawal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. envoy Jared Kushner reached an agreement on Monday that a U.S. general would supervise the disarmament of Hamas, according to an Israeli official. The arrangement was made amid ongoing negotiations between Washington and Jerusalem over a potential Gaza peace plan, as the Trump administration seeks to revive its proposal for ending the conflict.

Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would not withdraw its forces from Gaza until Hamas relinquishes its weapons, underscoring the Israeli government’s insistence on a security guarantee before any territorial concessions. The decision to involve a U.S. military officer in overseeing Hamas disarmament reflects the U.S. effort to broker a more comprehensive settlement, while also addressing concerns about the reliability of any ceasefire or withdrawal.

The agreement marks a significant step in U.S.-Israeli diplomatic efforts, but it also highlights the continuing tensions between the two sides. As Washington pushes for a broader peace framework, Israel remains cautious, insisting that any withdrawal from Gaza must be contingent on demonstrable disarmament by Hamas.