Netanyahu rejects Gaza ceasefire plan, vows no withdrawal until Hamas disarmed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point peace plan for Gaza, insisting that the Israeli military will not withdraw until Hamas is completely disarmed. Speaking in Jerusalem on Sunday, Netanyahu said the plan was unacceptable in its current form, and that any ceasefire must be tied to the total removal of Hamas's arsenal — from heavy weapons down to light arms.

"The IDF will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is disarmed," Netanyahu said. "When I say disarming Hamas, it means the heavy weapons, the less heavy weapons, and the light weapons — all the weapons. We are talking about real disarmament, not a fictitious one."

Netanyahu acknowledged ongoing discussions with American officials, noting that some of their ideas were acceptable while others were not. He stressed that Israel would continue to stand firm on its security interests, even when those interests conflict with the views of its closest allies.

In a separate statement, Netanyahu revealed that Israeli forces have been conducting a significant operation in Lebanon in recent days. He confirmed that terrorists had been eliminated, including on the Ali al-Tahir ridge, but declined to provide further operational details. He described the mission as "very important" and said it was being carried out with both determination and strategic judgment.

The Prime Minister also addressed Iran's regional behaviour, pointing out that Tehran has attacked countries across the region but has so far avoided striking Israel directly. He attributed this to Iran's awareness of the "devastating blow" Israel would deliver in response.

Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, stating that Israel's existence is not up for negotiation. "With or without an agreement, as long as I am Prime Minister, Iran will not possess nuclear weapons," he declared.