JERUSALEM, Israel has conveyed “serious security concerns” to the United States regarding the proposed Hamas disarmament agreement, insisting that the Israeli military will not withdraw from Gaza until the militant group completely gives up its weapons.
According to Doron Spielman, spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, Israeli intelligence believes Hamas remains focused on rebuilding its military capabilities rather than genuinely demilitarizing.
“Our assessment is that if we redeploy before Hamas is truly disarmed, it will quickly expand its presence throughout Gaza, rebuild its terrorist infrastructure, once again threaten Israeli communities, and seek to carry out another October 7-style attack,” Spielman said.
Spielman stressed that Israel’s position is clear and uncompromising.
“Disarming means physically giving up the weapons. Nothing less,” he said.
Israeli officials maintain that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will continue their military presence in Gaza, where they currently control more than 60 percent of the territory, until Hamas is fully disarmed.
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The proposed Board of Peace initiative, which emerged late last week, envisions:
- Hamas surrendering its weapons.
- Israeli forces withdrawing from Gaza.
- A technocratic administration taking over governance of the enclave.
However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly commented on the proposal.
Earlier statements attributed to a senior Israeli official suggested that Israel considers the current proposal insufficient and is unwilling to reduce its military presence under the existing terms.
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The differing positions highlight the significant obstacles that remain before any comprehensive ceasefire or post-war governance arrangement for Gaza can be implemented.
