Israel Rejects US-Backed Gaza Disarmament Plan as Negotiations Stall

JERUSALEM — Israel has formally rejected a United States-backed proposal calling for the disarmament and demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday. The decision marks a significant setback in ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire and reshape security arrangements following years of conflict.

Netanyahu stated during a press briefing that his government could not accept the draft agreement as presented because it was not an Israeli initiative. Instead of signing off on the terms, Israel has submitted detailed comments outlining its objections and proposed modifications for further review. The Prime Minister emphasized that any final framework must originate from Jerusalem to ensure alignment with national security imperatives.

The US-backed plan, circulated in recent weeks by Washington diplomats, outlined a comprehensive roadmap intended to end hostilities between Israeli forces and Hamas-led factions in Gaza. Central to the proposal was a requirement for the total demilitarization of the coastal enclave, including the dismantling of militant infrastructure and the establishment of an international security presence. The plan also included provisions for humanitarian aid delivery and reconstruction efforts under strict monitoring.

Israeli officials have long maintained that unilateral disarmament without ironclad guarantees against future attacks is not a viable option. Netanyahu argued that accepting a foreign-drafted document would undermine Israel's sovereignty over its own defense strategy. "We are ready to negotiate, but we will not sign something that was written by others," the Prime Minister said.

The rejection comes as regional tensions remain high and humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate. International mediators have expressed concern that the impasse could prolong violence and delay the return of displaced civilians. The United States has urged both sides to engage constructively, noting that the current draft was intended as a starting point for dialogue rather than a final ultimatum.

Hamas representatives in Gaza have not yet issued an official response to Israel's rejection but previously indicated willingness to discuss security arrangements provided they include immediate ceasefires and prisoner exchanges. The militant group has consistently opposed any arrangement involving foreign troops on Palestinian soil, viewing such measures as violations of sovereignty.

Diplomatic channels remain active despite the setback, with envoys from Egypt, Qatar, and European nations continuing shuttle diplomacy between Tel Aviv, Washington, and Cairo. However, no new timeline for resumed negotiations has been announced. Questions linger over whether a revised proposal can bridge the widening gap between Israeli security demands and Palestinian aspirations for self-determination.

As of Tuesday evening, neither side indicated an immediate path forward to resolve the deadlock. The international community awaits clarity on how far Israel is willing to compromise while maintaining its stated red lines regarding future threats from Gaza.