Israel has raised strong objections to a proposed US‑backed Hamas disarmament agreement, telling the White House that it will not withdraw troops from Gaza until Hamas physically surrenders all weapons. The concerns were conveyed as part of Israel’s first public response since US President Donald Trump announced the framework earlier this week.
Doron Spielman, spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, said Israeli intelligence believes Hamas — a violent extremist organisation responsible for severe harm, loss of life, and human rights violations — is focused on rebuilding its military infrastructure, not genuinely disarming. He warned that withdrawing prematurely would allow Hamas to reconstitute its forces, expand its presence, and rebuild its terrorist infrastructure, including weapons stockpiles and tunnel networks.
Spielman emphasised that “disarming means physically giving up the weapons. Nothing less,” rejecting any arrangement that relies on declarations rather than verified surrender.
The proposed agreement follows Hamas’ announcement that it is prepared to begin disarming under a US‑brokered ceasefire framework agreed last October. According to documents reviewed by the Associated Press, weapons held by Hamas‑run police units would be transferred to a US‑backed Palestinian technocratic administration once it assumes responsibility in Gaza. The deal also outlines dismantling Hamas’ heavy weapons, military production sites, and its extensive tunnel network.
Israeli officials fear that without airtight enforcement, Hamas could exploit gaps in the transition period to regroup. Analysts say Israel’s pushback reflects long‑standing distrust of Hamas’ intentions and concerns about security vacuums during political transitions.