Israel Raises Security Concerns Over U.S.-Brokered Gaza Disarmament Deal
Israel told the White House it doubts Hamas will fully disarm under the proposed cease-fire agreement, saying Israeli forces will not withdraw from Gaza until the militant group relinquishes its weapons.
Israel’s senior spokesperson said the government has conveyed "serious security concerns" to the White House about the U.S.-mediated disarmament plan for Hamas. Doron Spielman, who represents Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said Israeli intelligence believes Hamas remains intent on rebuilding its military capabilities and would not genuinely demilitarize.
Spielman added that Israeli forces would not pull back from the parts of Gaza they control – more than 60 percent of the enclave – until Hamas physically hands over its weapons. He warned that a premature redeployment could allow Hamas to expand its presence, restore its infrastructure and potentially launch attacks similar to those on Oct. 7, 2023.
The concerns come after Hamas announced it would begin disarming as part of the cease-fire signed nine months ago. The Trump administration’s 20-point plan calls for Hamas to surrender arms, destroy tunnel networks, and for an Israeli withdrawal linked to a phased process overseen by an international security force and a new technocratic Palestinian administration.
U.S. officials said Israel had been consulted throughout the negotiations and was not being asked to exceed its commitments under the October cease-fire. The White House declined to comment further on Israel’s assessment.
Israeli air strikes continued overnight, killing at least 17 people in Gaza, including children, according to local hospitals. The Israeli military said the attacks targeted militant operatives.
The dispute over the disarmament timeline occurs as Israel heads toward national elections, with Prime Minister Netanyahu facing pressure from coalition partners to maintain a strong stance against Hamas.