Netanyahu Rejects Trump-Backed Gaza Disarmament Plan, Citing Security Demands

What Happened

On Sunday, August 9, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected a 15-point proposal for Gaza put forth by President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace. Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu stated unequivocally, "Israel rejects the 15-point document," as reported by the New York Post. The proposal outlined a phased Israeli military withdrawal contingent on Hamas disarming. Netanyahu insisted that Israeli troops would remain in Gaza until Hamas genuinely surrenders its entire arsenal, including heavy and less heavy weapons, production sites, arms depots, and its tunnel network. He further declared, "As long as I am prime minister, no Palestinian state will be established — not in Gaza and not in the West Bank," explicitly mentioning 'Fatahstan' nor 'Hamastan' as unacceptable outcomes. This rejection comes as Netanyahu faces a re-election campaign in late October, with his coalition reportedly trailing in polls.

The Trump administration had promoted the plan last month as a potential breakthrough following a ceasefire reached in October 2023, which ended the immediate hostilities triggered by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. The Board of Peace, through its director Nickolay Mladenov, had previously met with Netanyahu, stating that no withdrawal would occur before disarmament was complete. Hamas, through politburo member Bassem Naim, responded to Netanyahu's rejection by stating their commitment to a roadmap agreed upon in Cairo days prior and called on mediators and the U.S. to pressure Netanyahu to adhere to it, citing potential internal political and electoral motivations for his stance.

What the Evidence Establishes

The evidence establishes that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explicitly rejected the 15-point Gaza proposal from the Trump Board of Peace on August 9, 2026. His statements, reported by both the Daily Caller and Fox News, confirm his position: "Israel rejects the 15-point Gaza document proposed by the Board of Peace" and "The IDF will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed." This stance is further reinforced by his declaration against Palestinian statehood in both Gaza and the West Bank while he remains prime minister. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right coalition partner, publicly supported this hardline position, stating the military "cannot retreat one millimeter in the Gaza Strip," according to UPI.

Hamas, through senior official Bassem Naim, confirmed its commitment to a separate "Gaza roadmap" agreed upon with Board of Peace representatives in Cairo approximately ten days prior to Netanyahu's rejection. Naim's statement, reported by Reuters, indicates a divergence in understanding or commitment to the proposed framework between Israel and Hamas, despite the Board of Peace's involvement with both parties. The timing of Netanyahu's firm rejection is contextualized by his upcoming re-election fight in late October, suggesting domestic political considerations may influence his public posture on security matters and territorial control in Gaza, where Israel currently occupies over half the territory.

Where the Accounts Conflict

While both the Daily Caller and Fox News largely corroborate Netanyahu's explicit rejection of the 15-point plan and his insistence on full Hamas disarmament before any Israeli withdrawal, a subtle conflict emerges regarding the status of the broader peace process and the U.S.-Israel relationship. Fox News quotes Netanyahu as saying he remains "in lockstep with President Donald Trump," despite putting himself "at odds with the latest Board of Peace proposal." This suggests an attempt to frame the rejection as a disagreement on specifics rather than a fundamental rift with the Trump administration's overall goals. The Daily Caller, however, more directly states that the two governments "spar over how any deal should unfold," implying a more direct conflict in negotiations.

Another point of divergence, or at least differing emphasis, lies in the perception of the "roadmap" Hamas claims to have agreed upon. Bassem Naim of Hamas stated, "We are committed to the roadmap that was reached with representatives of the Board of Peace in Cairo a few days ago." This implies a prior understanding or agreement that Netanyahu's rejection now complicates. The Israeli accounts, however, focus solely on rejecting the 15-point document, without acknowledging or detailing any prior Hamas-Board of Peace agreement. This suggests either a miscommunication, a different interpretation of what constitutes an agreement, or a strategic omission by one side to bolster its negotiating position. The Board of Peace's exact role and the nature of its discussions with Hamas are not fully detailed in the provided sources, leaving an information gap regarding the precise sequence of diplomatic engagements.

Context and Stakes

The rejection of the Trump-backed Gaza proposal occurs within a complex geopolitical landscape marked by ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, internal Israeli politics, and U.S. diplomatic efforts. The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack and the subsequent Israeli military response have fundamentally reshaped the security calculus for Israel, leading to a heightened emphasis on complete disarmament of Hamas. Netanyahu's insistence on "genuine disarmament" reflects a deep-seated Israeli security concern, aiming to prevent any resurgence of militant capabilities in Gaza. His categorical rejection of a Palestinian state, using terms like 'Fatahstan' and 'Hamastan,' underscores a long-standing ideological position within his right-wing coalition, which views Palestinian statehood as an existential threat to Israeli security.

The stakes for Netanyahu are particularly high given his re-election campaign in late October. His hardline stance on Gaza and Palestinian statehood is likely aimed at consolidating support from his conservative and far-right base, including figures like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, whose backing is crucial for his coalition. Any perceived concession on security or territorial control could jeopardize his political future. For the Trump administration, the rejection represents a setback for its diplomatic efforts to broker a lasting settlement in the region, particularly after President Trump had previously touted a "breakthrough" in peace efforts. The continued disagreement over the sequencing of disarmament and withdrawal prolongs instability in Gaza and the broader Middle East, impacting regional security and potentially influencing international relations with both Israel and the United States.

What to Watch Next

Observers should closely monitor the public statements and actions of Netanyahu's coalition partners, particularly those from the far-right, in the immediate aftermath of this rejection. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has already voiced strong support for the "no retreat" stance, and further endorsements from key political figures will indicate the internal cohesion of Netanyahu's government ahead of the late October elections. Any softening or reiteration of the hardline position by these partners could signal shifts in electoral strategy or internal pressure dynamics. Additionally, attention should be paid to any official responses or clarifications from the Trump administration's Board of Peace regarding Netanyahu's rejection and Hamas's claim of a prior "roadmap" agreement. The Board's next steps will reveal whether they intend to revise the proposal, engage in further mediation, or publicly address the conflicting accounts.

Furthermore, the focus will shift to the specifics of the Israeli election campaign in late October. Netanyahu's rhetoric on Gaza, Hamas, and Palestinian statehood will likely intensify, serving as a key platform issue. Any polling data or public sentiment indicators related to these positions will be crucial in understanding the political impact of his rejection. Finally, the operational status of Israeli forces in Gaza and any reported military activities will provide insight into the practical implications of Netanyahu's declaration that the IDF "will not withdraw at all until Hamas is genuinely disarmed." Any significant changes in troop deployment or engagement patterns would be a direct consequence of this policy decision.

Bottom Line

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has definitively rejected the Trump Board of Peace's 15-point proposal for Gaza, which called for a phased Israeli withdrawal tied to Hamas disarmament. Netanyahu's firm stance mandates that Israeli forces will not leave Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed, encompassing all weapon types and infrastructure. He also reaffirmed his unwavering opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state in either Gaza or the West Bank while he holds office. This rejection directly contradicts Hamas's assertion of a prior agreement on a "roadmap" with the Board of Peace and complicates the Trump administration's diplomatic efforts in the region.

The timing of Netanyahu's declaration is heavily influenced by his upcoming re-election campaign in late October, where his hardline security posture is a critical element of his political platform. The immediate consequence is a continued impasse in negotiations over Gaza's future, with Israel maintaining its military presence and demanding unconditional disarmament from Hamas. The long-term implications include sustained regional instability, potential strains on U.S.-Israel diplomatic relations regarding the peace process, and a reinforcement of the status quo concerning Palestinian statehood, at least for the duration of Netanyahu's premiership.