
Netanyahu Rejects Gaza Framework, Says Israel Won’t Withdraw Until Hamas Disarmament
JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday reaffirmed Israel’s opposition to a reported 15-point framework for Gaza, declaring that the Israel Defense Forces would not withdraw from the Strip until Hamas is completely disarmed and insisting that Israel would continue military operations against threats to its forces and civilians.
Opening the weekly Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu also dismissed what he described as growing speculation that Israel was retreating on multiple security fronts, arguing that recent reports of Israeli concessions were unfounded.
“We reject the 15-point document,” Netanyahu said. “The IDF will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed. When I say disarmed, I mean all weapons—heavy weapons, lighter weapons, every weapon. We are talking about a real disarmament, not a fictitious one.”
He added that Israel is discussing the issue with the United States, saying Washington has proposed several ideas, some of which Israel accepts and others it does not.
“We know how to stand firm on matters that are vital to Israel’s security,” he said.
Netanyahu also addressed Iran, expressing appreciation for U.S. President Donald Trump and the strategic partnership between Jerusalem and Washington in preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
“With or without an agreement, as long as I am prime minister, Iran will not have nuclear weapons,” Netanyahu declared. “The existence of our state is not negotiable.”
Referring to recent regional tensions, Netanyahu argued that Iran has refrained from attacking Israel directly because it understands the consequences.
“Iran attacks countries throughout the region, and even beyond it, but there is one country it has not attacked—Israel,” he said. “It knows the powerful blow we would inflict if it did.”
Turning to Lebanon, Netanyahu said Israel has continued military operations against Hezbollah despite reports suggesting otherwise.
“In recent days, Israel has acted forcefully in Lebanon and eliminated terrorists, including in the Ali al-Taher Ridge area,” he said. “We are conducting an important operation, acting with determination and wisdom alongside the Israel Defense Forces to eliminate threats.”
On Gaza, Netanyahu reiterated his longstanding opposition to Palestinian statehood.
“As long as I am prime minister, there will be no Palestinian state,neither in Gaza nor in Judea and Samaria. There will be neither a ‘Fatahstan’ nor a ‘Hamastan,'” he said.
He stressed that Israel’s security and the safety of its citizens remain non-negotiable, adding that the military would continue targeting threats against Israeli troops and civilians.
Netanyahu concluded by defending his government’s security record, citing Israel’s military operations in Rafah, along the Philadelphi Corridor, in Lebanon, including the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and two rounds of strikes against Iran.
“We have proven time and again that we act where necessary to protect Israel’s security,” Netanyahu said. “We know how to stand our ground, even with our closest allies, when it is required.”