Israeli officials expressed deep skepticism about a U.S.-backed disarmament plan for Gaza, even as Hamas warned that ongoing Israeli airstrikes risk undermining the agreement. On Monday, a senior Israeli spokesman said the proposed roadmap “does not reflect Israel’s positions” and “stands in direct contrast to the current reality” in the Gaza Strip. This comes amid mounting pressure from the Board of Peace, which criticized Israel for continuing military operations in the region despite Hamas’s recent commitment to the plan. The plan, supported by both Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, calls for Hamas to gradually transfer its weapons to a new Palestinian administration in Gaza, though the arms would remain within the territory. Under the framework, Gaza would operate under the principle of “one authority, one law, one weapon,” with Gazans permitted to keep personal weapons under the licensing of the new government. Additionally, the agreement stipulates that Israel should begin withdrawing from areas it currently controls in Gaza before Hamas completes its disarmament process. Despite these provisions, Israeli authorities remain unconvinced. A senior Israeli official emphasized that “Israel will not withdraw from the current line in the Gaza Strip” and reiterated the nation’s commitment to eliminating threats to its citizens and military personnel. The Prime Minister’s Office has voiced concerns that the proposed framework fails to address Israel’s security needs adequately. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to formally comment on the deal, leaving top ministers and anonymous “senior officials” to express reservations. Despite assurances from U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel was “very happy” with the agreement, Israeli officials have raised objections. According to Israeli intelligence, Hamas has allegedly used the ceasefire period to rearm, recruit additional fighters, rebuild its military infrastructure, and prepare for potential attacks similar to the October 7 massacre. In response to criticism from the Board of Peace, Prime Minister’s Office spokesman Doron Spielman stated that Israel has communicated its concerns to American counterparts. He noted that the public version of the framework does not align with Israel’s stance, contradicting earlier claims that Israel was extensively briefed on the deal’s formation. Spielman emphasized the need for “genuine, verifiable, and irreversible demilitarization” of Hamas, arguing that anything less would leave the group capable of posing a threat to Israel once again. President Isaac Herzog offered a more optimistic outlook, acknowledging “a lot of positive elements” in the efforts led by the Board of Peace under Trump’s leadership. Herzog highlighted the importance of fully disarming Hamas and expressed hope that the process would lead to the establishment of a technocratic government in Gaza. His remarks underscored the delicate balance between diplomatic efforts and maintaining Israel’s security interests. Meanwhile, the Tikva Leumit movement, representing bereaved families and hostage relatives, has called for stringent conditions before any international force enters Gaza. The group insists that Israel must facilitate the voluntary emigration of Gazans who wish to leave, completely demilitarize the region, and retain full control over security operations. They argue that allowing an international force to enter without ensuring complete disarmament could jeopardize Israel’s security and enable Hamas to regroup. The movement’s demands include securing international guarantees that allow Israel to conduct operations against militants, locate weapons, and protect civilian populations. They stress that no weapons should remain in Gaza before any progress is made under the proposed phased plan. The families emphasize their firsthand experience of the consequences of past failures and urge policymakers to prioritize their safety and the prevention of future attacks. Amid these developments, Israeli security forces have detained a Hamas operative who had infiltrated the Israeli-held area of Gaza under the guise of a truck driver. The individual, a member of Hamas’s elite Nukhba Force, was arrested upon attempting to collect goods at the Kerem Shalom Crossing. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges faced by Israeli authorities in implementing the disarmament plan while managing internal political dynamics and security threats.
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