The Israeli government has formally conveyed to the White House security concerns regarding the US-led ceasefire plan that centers on Hamas disarmament. In an interview with the Associated Press, Israeli Prime Ministry spokesperson Doron Spielman said that Hamas is rebuilding its military capacity and stressed that Israeli forces will not withdraw from the Gaza Strip until the terrorist organization is fully disarmed.
Spielman said intelligence assessments show Hamas is focused on boosting its military strength rather than genuinely disarming. "If we withdraw before Hamas truly disarms, it will rapidly expand its presence throughout Gaza, rebuild its terrorist infrastructure, and attempt to carry out another attack like the one on October 7," he said.
The 20-point Trump plan unveiled last week calls for Hamas to surrender its weapons, destroy its tunnel network, and establish a new Palestinian technocratic administration in Gaza. The plan also includes a phased Israeli withdrawal, deployment of an international security force, and reconstruction of the area.
According to the agreement text verified by the Associated Press, weapons held by Hamas-controlled police will be handed over to a US-backed Gaza Administration National Committee. The deal envisages the gradual decommissioning of heavy weapons, dismantling of military production facilities, and destruction of tunnels. These steps will be linked to Israeli military withdrawals.
However, Israeli officials believe the current arrangement does not address their security concerns. Spielman said they have intelligence showing Hamas is still recruiting fighters and arming itself even as negotiations continue. Israel has stressed that a military withdrawal will only take place after the verifiable surrender of all Hamas weapons.
The White House declined to comment further on Israel's assessment that Hamas is rebuilding its military capabilities. US officials said Israel has been kept informed at every stage of negotiations and that no new commitments beyond the October ceasefire agreement are being sought.
While the full extent of Israel's concerns presented to the White House remains unclear, sources close to the talks said Israel has also conveyed its reservations through former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Among Israel's demands is the preservation of its freedom to conduct military operations inside Gaza if deemed necessary.
Another source said Israeli officials oppose granting roles to Qatar and Turkey in overseeing the implementation of the agreement and insist that weapons seized from Hamas must be destroyed rather than stored.
Israel currently controls more than 60 percent of the Gaza Strip. Much of the areas under its control are heavily damaged and almost completely evacuated. Most of Gaza's approximately two million residents are struggling to survive in overcrowded tent camps and amid the rubble in the remaining areas.
Political dynamics also pose obstacles to a deal. Prime Minister Netanyahu faces parliamentary elections in October, increasing domestic political pressure. Far-right coalition partners want continued military pressure, while the opposition accuses Netanyahu of failing to prevent the October 7, 2023, attack. In that Hamas-led assault, around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in Israel and 251 taken hostage.
