Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel officially rejects the 15-point Gaza framework proposed by the Board of Peace, a US-backed initiative. In a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is genuinely disarmed, emphasizing that disarmament must include all weapons, from heavy to less-heavy arms.
The rejection comes despite reports of partial compliance with the framework. Since Monday evening, the IDF has refrained from targeted killings and maintained a ceasefire in Gaza, with forces positioned along the original Yellow Line, encompassing approximately 53% of the Gaza Strip. No IDF positions currently extend beyond this line, according to military directives issued by Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir.
Hamas’s Position and US Role
Hamas has stated it remains committed to the plan, provided Israel halts strikes and withdraws troops to the Yellow Line. A senior Hamas official told Reuters that the group expects US mediators to pressure Israel into implementing the agreement. Hamas’s readiness to proceed hinges on Israel’s reciprocal actions, including ending aggression and withdrawing forces.
US President Donald Trump previously described the plan as a historic breakthrough, asserting that Hamas had agreed to disarmament. The Board of Peace framed the proposal as a pathway to lasting peace, with phased Israeli withdrawals contingent on disarmament progress. However, Netanyahu dismissed the plan as unacceptable in its current form, calling for real disarmament rather than a symbolic surrender of weapons.
Netanyahu’s Additional Stances
In his remarks, Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to a Palestinian state, declaring, "As long as I am prime minister, no Palestinian state will be established — not in Gaza and not in the West Bank." He also addressed ongoing discussions with the US, acknowledging that some elements of the plan are under review while others are deemed unacceptable.
Reconstruction and Temporary Measures
Regarding Gaza’s reconstruction, Netanyahu maintained that permanent rebuilding efforts will not proceed until Hamas is fully disarmed. However, the Board of Peace distinguishes between temporary structures in Rafah—such as those under Israeli control—and permanent reconstruction. Israeli officials have framed current construction in Rafah as non-permanent, aligning with the framework’s temporary provisions.
Military and Political Context
The announcement follows weeks of escalating criticism from Netanyahu’s right-wing allies, who have urged him to reject the plan outright. Netanyahu’s rejection reflects domestic political pressures, with elections looming and demands from coalition partners to prioritize security over diplomatic concessions. Meanwhile, the IDF continues to conduct operations in Lebanon, including strikes targeting militants, though details remain undisclosed.
The Board of Peace’s framework includes provisions for an International Stabilization Force and a new Palestinian police force to assume security responsibilities as disarmament progresses. Trump’s proposal envisions Gaza governed by a new Palestinian administration working alongside international mediators. However, Netanyahu’s rejection casts uncertainty over the plan’s viability, despite Hamas’s stated willingness to proceed.