Netanyahu: No Israeli withdrawal from Gaza until Hamas disarms

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel will not pull its forces out of Gaza unless Hamas gives up its weapons, repeating his rejection of a recent U.S. proposal for the territory. In televised remarks to his right-wing government, Netanyahu pushed back against the latest Gaza plan put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump. His statement came as Israel’s military has largely paused its attacks in Gaza under pressure from the American leader. Netanyahu, who is seeking re-election in a vote set for October, spoke during a cornerstone ceremony for a heritage site in East Jerusalem. He did not offer a timeline for disarmament or a full withdrawal. The prime minister’s comments underline a growing gap between Washington’s push for a negotiated settlement and Netanyahu’s insistence on security terms before any Israeli exit.