Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a U.S.-backed 15-point proposal aimed at ending the Gaza conflict, stating that Palestinian statehood will remain off the table for as long as he remains Israel’s prime minister. His comments come as Washington continues diplomatic efforts to advance a framework for ending the war and establishing a future political and security arrangement for Gaza.
Netanyahu has also made clear that Israel will not agree to withdraw its forces from Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed. He said the disarmament process must include both heavy and light weapons, making the issue a central condition for any potential Israeli military withdrawal.
The U.S.-backed proposal seeks to establish a phased process involving the disarmament of Hamas, an Israeli military withdrawal, the creation of a Palestinian technocratic administration for Gaza and international efforts to stabilize and rebuild the territory. The broader framework also envisages a longer-term political process concerning the future governance of Gaza and Palestinian self-determination.
However, Netanyahu’s position puts him at odds with important elements of the proposed roadmap. While the United States has been pushing for diplomatic progress, Israel’s government continues to emphasize security guarantees and the complete dismantling of Hamas’s military capabilities before accepting any major withdrawal.
The disagreement comes amid significant political pressure within Israel. Members of Netanyahu’s governing coalition, particularly those on the far right, have strongly opposed measures that could result in an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza or create a pathway toward Palestinian statehood. Netanyahu’s latest remarks therefore reinforce the government’s existing position on the future political status of the Palestinian territories.
The Israeli position has also generated concern across the region. Several Arab and Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Türkiye, Pakistan and Indonesia, have criticized Israel’s continued military operations in Gaza and called for efforts to prevent further escalation.
The disagreement over Hamas’s disarmament, an Israeli withdrawal and the future political administration of Gaza remains one of the biggest challenges facing the proposed peace framework. While Washington continues to seek a diplomatic solution, Netanyahu’s rejection of Palestinian statehood and insistence on complete Hamas disarmament indicate that significant differences remain between the parties.
The future of the U.S.-backed Gaza proposal will depend on whether these differences can be resolved through negotiations. For now, Netanyahu’s declaration that Palestinian statehood will not be considered while he remains prime minister adds another major obstacle to efforts aimed at securing a lasting political settlement and ending the conflict in Gaza.