JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday stressed Israel’s unwavering position that the complete disarmament of Hamas and the full demilitarization of the Gaza Strip must precede any reconstruction efforts, according to a statement from his office following a meeting with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

Netanyahu made clear during the discussions that the Palestinian Authority would have no role in administering Gaza, a stance he described as non-negotiable. He also briefed Witkoff on what Israel alleges are violations involving UNRWA, claiming that aid bags from the United Nations agency have been used to conceal weapons.

The meeting comes amid ongoing implementation of the second phase of a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire framework under President Trump’s 20-point plan, which ties further Israeli troop withdrawals and reconstruction to Hamas’s disarmament. Witkoff has previously expressed optimism that Hamas would demilitarize, stating the group “has no choice” and would surrender weapons.

Ahead of Witkoff’s scheduled discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Netanyahu cautioned that Iran has “repeatedly proven that its promises are unreliable,” underscoring Israel’s skepticism toward any diplomatic engagements with Tehran on its nuclear program or regional activities.

The talks between Netanyahu and Witkoff also addressed broader regional issues, including efforts to advance the Gaza plan and tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Witkoff’s visit to Israel included meetings with senior officials such as Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.