Netanyahu rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan and demands Hamas disarm

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Posted Aug 19, 2026, 08:30 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-08-19-2030
Netanyahu rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan and demands Hamas disarm
Photo: The Guardian

Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a 15-point US-backed Gaza peace plan, maintaining that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace proposal promoted by US President Donald Trump, insisting that Israeli forces will not leave the enclave without the complete disarmament of Hamas.

Speaking during a televised cabinet meeting, Netanyahu stated that the Israeli military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and confirmed that security operations would persist to neutralize emerging threats. The initiative, endorsed by Hamas in late July, had been presented by Washington as a framework for lasting regional stability.

The stance highlights growing diplomatic friction between Washington and Tel Aviv. Observers note Netanyahu faces intense domestic pressures ahead of an October election, attempting to balance demands from coalition allies against American diplomatic initiatives.

Sources: Cyprus Mail, France24, STV News, The Guardian, The Herald.

How outlets assessed this

    • Cyprus Mail Cautious Framed Netanyahu's rejection through domestic re-election pressures and demands from far-right coalition allies.
    • France24 Skeptical Emphasized the rejection as a fresh diplomatic break between Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.

Sources

Earlier coverage

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