Netanyahu rejects Gaza plan, says Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is disarmed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a 15-point plan for Gaza proposed by the U.S. president, saying Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed.

Speaking during a cabinet meeting Sunday, Netanyahu said Israel does not accept the document in its current form. He said Hamas must be disarmed in practice, not merely on paper, and that Israel would continue taking action to prevent threats to its soldiers and civilians.

Netanyahu said Israel is in discussions with U.S. officials about the next phase of its strategy. He said some U.S. proposals are acceptable to Israel, while others remain points of disagreement.

Hamas, meanwhile, has said any decision to hand over heavy weapons is linked to Israel ending all military operations and withdrawing its forces from Gaza. The group has also expressed a willingness to engage in serious negotiations over implementing the 15-point plan.