Israel officially rejects BoP 15-point plan for Gaza's reconstruction, Netanyahu announces

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel does not accept the 15-point roadmap proposed for the next phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan and that the Israel Defense Forces will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas has been genuinely disarmed.

His comments come as Israel resists moving to Phase 2 under the current proposal, amid concerns that doing so could restrict its military freedom of action before Hamas has demonstrated that it is willing to give up its weapons.

Israel’s position follows a warning from Shin Bet Director David Zini that Hamas could use the proposed transition to prolong negotiations and limit Israel’s ability to conduct military operations without surrendering its weapons.

While Israel is discussing possible arrangements with the United States, Netanyahu made clear that Jerusalem does not accept any withdrawal of IDF forces before Hamas is disarmed.

According to The Jerusalem Post, Zini warned ministers that Hamas could use the proposed demilitarization process to prolong negotiations and limit Israel’s freedom of action, rather than giving up its military capabilities.

Zini stated he believes that Hamas is “dragging their feet” and “waiting for the elections, and then they will see what happens.” Israel is slated to hold elections on Oct. 27 this year.

A key point of contention in the 15-point document is a proposed 14-day period to prepare for implementation of the next phase. According to Israeli officials cited by the Post, cabinet ministers opposed steps that could signal Israel had entered that period, which would entail restrictions on Israeli military operations, including targeted strikes against Hamas operatives.

Walla likewise reported that Israel had not signed or formally approved the Board of Peace’s (BoP) demilitarization roadmap and had raised significant objections to the proposed terms.

The BoP published a 15-point roadmap last week that calls on both sides to fulfill their remaining obligations under the previous agreement before finalizing the mechanisms for implementing Phase 2 during a 14-day period.

Speaking at the start of Sunday’s government meeting, Netanyahu sought to dispel what he described as “rumors” of Israeli weakness and withdrawals on multiple fronts, including Gaza.

“As for the Gaza Strip: First and foremost, I wish to clarify the main point: As long as I am Prime Minister, a Palestinian state will not be established, neither in Gaza nor in Judea and Samaria. Neither 'Fatahstan' nor 'Hamastan',” Netanyahu said.

Addressing the 15-point document specifically, Netanyahu said: “Regarding specific matters surfacing in the news lately, I wish to be precise here: Israel does not accept the 15-point document.”

“I have heard people saying: 'You didn't say it.' So here I am saying it again: Israel does not accept the 15-point document,” he added.

Netanyahu said Israel is continuing to discuss the issue with the United States, but that some of Washington’s ideas remain unacceptable to Jerusalem.

“Right now, we are talking with the Americans about this issue. They have ideas, some of which are acceptable to us and some of which are unacceptable, and we know how to stand firm against these things. We have proven this in the past and we are proving it today as well,” he said.

“The IDF will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is disarmed,” Netanyahu said. “And when I say the disarming of Hamas, it means heavy weaponry, lighter weaponry, all weaponry. And we are talking about genuine disarmament, not fictitious disarmament.”

The status of the proposed multinational force remains unresolved. While the security cabinet approved a legal framework for a roughly 200-member International Stabilization Force in late July, each national contingent would still require separate Israeli approval, according to Reuters.

The Post reported that a separate document governing the force’s deployment remained unsigned following Israeli objections, and that Israel had not formally authorized its entry under the new arrangements.

At the same time, the Post learned that the government had approved the entry of approximately 200 members of the force following U.S. pressure.

The distinction is significant as Israel has approved a framework for the potential deployment of an international force while continuing to object to elements of the current roadmap governing the transition to Phase 2.

Preparations by potential troop-contributing countries are nevertheless moving forward.

Uganda’s parliament voted Thursday to authorize the deployment of troops to Gaza if needed as part of the international force.

Reuters reported that the broader Trump plan remained stalled, with no clear timeline for when the force would actually deploy.

Netanyahu said the IDF would meanwhile continue operating against threats to Israeli forces and civilians.

“Furthermore, the IDF will continue to thwart threats against our forces and our citizens,” he said.