Israel has made clear that no reconstruction of the Gaza Strip will take place until Hamas is fully disarmed, following a lengthy meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Jared Kushner.

According to a report by B’Chadrei Charedim, despite significant gaps between Israel and the United States regarding the Board of Peace, the American side took a more moderate position during the talks. Kushner reportedly stressed that “there is nothing to rebuild before the Strip is demilitarized.”

Under the understandings discussed at the meeting, the first step toward demilitarization would require Hamas to hand over all of its weapons — both heavy and light — for destruction under the supervision of Gen. Jeffers, who heads the ceasefire monitoring committee.

Until that happens, only sanitation-related work would be carried out in Gaza to prevent the spread of disease, with broader reconstruction remaining on hold.

Israeli officials also presented Kushner with evidence they say shows that no genuine Hamas disarmament process has taken place in recent months. Israel additionally presented findings regarding alleged Turkish financing of the terrorist organization.

Netanyahu made clear that Israel will not give up the IDF’s freedom of action in Gaza or its policy of targeted eliminations, including operations against immediate threats and terrorists who participated in the October 7 massacre.

An Israeli official said the central disagreement remains Israel’s deep skepticism over whether Hamas is willing or capable of surrendering its weapons. The American side, by contrast, reportedly believes full disarmament remains achievable.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)