Israel’s prime minister said his government would not accept a U.S.-backed plan for Gaza and would keep troops in the territory until Hamas disarms, according to reporting from the Associated Press and the Daily Beast. The public rejection marks a clear split with Washington over how and when to wind down the war.
Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel rejected a U.S.-backed document, while adding that discussions with the United States are still underway, the Associated Press reported. The AP described the U.S. proposal as a road map that would have Hamas begin disarming as Israel halts strikes and begins withdrawing from parts of Gaza that Israeli forces currently control. The Daily Beast similarly reported that the U.S. administration put forward a plan focused on disarmament of Hamas. The outlets differed on the timing of the proposal, the AP and Daily Beast reported.
The AP said Netanyahu told ministers Israel would not pull back troops until Hamas was disarmed. The Daily Beast added that he also ruled out the creation of a Palestinian state. Both outlets said Netanyahu noted ongoing talks with U.S. officials despite the rejection.
The White House did not offer immediate public comment on Netanyahu’s remarks, according to the AP. Hamas, for its part, said it remains committed to the road map and wants mediators and the United States to press Israel to move forward, the AP reported, citing a member of the group’s political bureau. The AP also noted that Israeli forces currently control parts of Gaza and that the U.S. plan envisioned an Israeli withdrawal tied to verified steps toward disarmament by Hamas.
The Daily Beast characterized the U.S. plan as a bid to secure a “stable peace” through disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. It also reported Netanyahu’s statement that some American ideas are acceptable to Israel and others are not, while emphasizing that Israel would not accept the framework as presented.
Beyond the immediate diplomacy, the AP said Netanyahu’s latest comments deepened doubts about a potential breakthrough that some had hoped could help end the fighting. The AP also noted upcoming Israeli elections, without tying the timing directly to the decision.
Why it matters
For U.S. readers, this is about whether Washington and a close ally are pulling in the same direction. If Israel won’t move on a plan the White House supports, it could slow efforts to pause the fighting, release hostages and detainees, and get more aid into Gaza. It may also shape how U.S. military assistance and diplomacy are used in the weeks ahead — and what Congress is asked to support.