Netanyahu Rejects Trump’s Gaza Proposal, Insists Israeli Forces Remain Until Hamas Fully Disarmed
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the Israeli military will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed, rejecting a draft proposal put forward by the US administration. The Peace Board has reiterated its commitment that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will not pull back beyond the “Yellow Line” until full disarmament is achieved in Gaza. High-level talks between Prime Minister Netanyahu, Peace Board envoy Nickolay Mladenov, and their teams focused on dismantling armed control in Gaza and establishing a stable civilian authority.
On August 4, Washington – Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly dismissed a US administration proposal led by President Donald Trump that involved disarmament of Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli troops. Netanyahu made it clear that Israeli forces will remain in the territory until Hamas is fully disarmed. In a video shared on social media, he emphasized the importance of national security and the military presence in the Gaza Strip. He reaffirmed that no changes will take place until Hamas completely relinquishes its weapons.
Netanyahu reaffirmed the mandate given to the Israeli military, stating that they have been instructed to take all necessary measures to protect the country and its citizens. Previously, the Peace Board had also clarified that Israeli forces would not retreat beyond the “Yellow Line” unless all weapons in Gaza are dismantled.
The “Yellow Line” refers to a military zone extending roughly 10 kilometers north from the southern Lebanon border in the Middle East. According to Al Jazeera, Israeli officials have indicated that maintaining control over this area and preserving the right to strike Hezbollah are top priorities amid ongoing attempts to eliminate the group.
This announcement followed a high-level and constructive meeting between Peace Board envoy Nickolay Mladenov, the Peace Board delegation, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and his senior team. The Peace Board stated that appropriate steps have been taken in response to estimates and contradictory reports concerning ceasefire deadlines amidst the current Israeli dynamics. Rejecting preliminary or partial erroneous reports, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to Hamas, stressing that full disarmament is necessary before any further use of force.
Addressing misinformation, it was underscored that Israeli withdrawal beyond the Yellow Line will only be possible after Hamas’ complete disarmament. Discussions in the meeting between Nickolay Mladenov and Netanyahu concentrated on implementing a broad transition aimed at removing armed control and establishing a stable civilian authority in Gaza.
This development comes after US President Donald Trump hailed the Peace Agreement Board’s efforts to disarm Hamas under a new Gaza accord as a “major success.”