Netanyahu rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that his government will not withdraw its forces from the Gaza Strip until Hamas has completely disarmed, a position that clashes with a U.S.-backed ceasefire roadmap that the militant group has publicly endorsed. The roadmap, which outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal in exchange for Hamas’ disarmament and other security guarantees, was signed by Hamas officials in a statement last month as part of a broader U.S. diplomatic effort to end the conflict.

Netanyahu’s statement comes amid ongoing negotiations between Washington and Jerusalem, where the U.S. has urged Israel to begin pulling troops to create a corridor for humanitarian aid and to pave the way for a broader ceasefire. By insisting on full disarmament before any withdrawal, Netanyahu signals a hardline stance that could stall the implementation of the U.S.‑backed plan, which relies on a mutual commitment to reduce hostilities on both sides. The divergence underscores the challenges of aligning Israeli security concerns with the U.S. diplomatic framework and Hamas’ conditions.

The conflict’s trajectory now hinges on whether the parties can reconcile these differing thresholds. A delay in Israel’s withdrawal could prolong hostilities and complicate humanitarian access, while a premature pullout might undermine Israel’s security guarantees. The situation remains fluid as both sides weigh the political and military implications of any compromise.