Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Israel's rejection of the Board of Peace's 15-point plan for the Gaza Strip during a Sunday afternoon cabinet meeting. "Israel rejects the 15-point Gaza document proposed by the Board of Peace," Netanyahu stated unequivocally. He emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would not withdraw until Hamas is genuinely disarmed. This firm stance underscores Israel's commitment to eliminating the existential threat posed by the terror group.
Netanyahu also reiterated his unwavering opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state. "As long as I am prime minister, there will be no Palestinian state, not in Gaza and not in Judea and Samaria," he affirmed. He explicitly ruled out both a "Fatahstan" and a "Hamastan," highlighting the inherent security risks of such entities. Israel is currently engaged in discussions with the United States regarding the disarmament of Hamas, with Netanyahu stressing the need for "genuine disarmament, not fictitious disarmament," encompassing all weapons, heavy and less heavy.
The Islamist Threat
Senior Hamas official Basem Naim responded to the Israeli position, telling Reuters that the terror group expects mediators and the US to "press Netanyahu and his government to adhere to the roadmap." Naim asserted Hamas's commitment to the roadmap agreed upon in Cairo, signaling the group's continued adherence to its objectives despite Israeli demands for its dismantling. This commitment from Hamas leadership reveals the persistent rejectionist front Israel faces.
Beyond Gaza, Netanyahu addressed recent Israeli activity in Lebanon. "In recent days Israel has acted forcefully in Lebanon, eliminating terrorists, including in the Ali Taher Ridge," he confirmed. While unable to elaborate further, he described the operations as "very important activity," indicating ongoing efforts to counter Iran's proxy network in the north. Netanyahu also commented on Iran, stating the regime refrains from striking Israel because it "knows what a powerful blow we will deal it if it does." He expressed appreciation for US President Donald Trump and the alliance between Israel and the US in preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, recognizing the broader civilizational defense against the Tehran regime.
Reconstruction and Disarmament
Earlier on Sunday, Army Radio reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz had quietly approved new development and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip two weeks ago. This plan targets a location east of Rafah, within the Yellow Line, aiming to construct new living spaces for Palestinians outside of Hamas's control. Security sources confirmed that Gazan Palestinian workers involved in the construction are undergoing background checks by the Shin Bet (Israeli Security Agency), a critical measure to prevent terror infiltration into humanitarian projects. This initiative demonstrates Israel's intent to aid civilians while isolating the terror infrastructure.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich commended Netanyahu's statements, welcoming the "unequivocal clarification." Smotrich emphasized the central objective of the war: "the destruction of Hamas militarily, civilly, and as a governing authority." He insisted that there can be no Hamas in Gaza the day after, and the Strip must not pose a threat to Israeli citizens for years to come. "This roadmap runs 180 degrees contrary to that objective," Smotrich stated regarding any plan that doesn't prioritize Hamas's complete disarmament. He reiterated that all reconstruction in Gaza would require complete Hamas disarmament first. "The objective of the war to which we are committed is clear: a situation in which there is no Hamas in Gaza...we will not give up even a fraction of that objective," he concluded, underscoring the non-negotiable terms for Israel's security. This position highlights the necessity of dismantling the terror infrastructure before any genuine stability can be achieved.