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Urja R Kudalkar
13 August 2026 |
In the news
On 09 August, ABC News reported that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected President Donald Trump's 15-point Gaza peace plan, stating at a cabinet meeting that the Israeli military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is truly disarmed and will continue to thwart threats against our forces and citizens." Hamas responded in a statement that it "affirms its commitment" to the 15-point plan, calling on mediators and guarantors to establish a clear timetable for its implementation.
On 10 August, ABC News further reported that Netanyahu posted online that "as long as I am Prime Minister, a Palestinian state will not arise, not in Gaza and not in the West Bank.”
On 11 August, ABC News reported that a senior Board of Peace official insisted the US-backed peace plan for the territory remained the only way forward, even as Israel continued strikes on Gaza despite the October 2025 ceasefire. Hamas maintained that handing over its heavy weapons was contingent on Israel ending "all forms of aggression" and withdrawing its forces from Gaza.
Issues at large
1. The Board of Peace and its 15-point proposal
The Board’s 15-point roadmap, published on 31 July sets out a roadmap for Hamas's disarmament, Israel's withdrawal and Gaza's governance. Its structure has become an issue, with no independent enforcement power of its own. It exists largely as a document on paper as a set of intentions rather than an operating plan. The plan has not mentioned any verification body to check the process and carries no penalty if either side stalls. Nearly three weeks after publication, the plan remains on a page while the situation on the ground stays volatile.
2. Trump’s unilateral declaration
A key issue is the gap between Trump's words and reality. In late July, Trump called his 15-point plan a "a monumental step toward lasting peace," saying Hamas and all other armed groups had agreed to fully disarm. However, PM Netanyahu said that Israel had "sent their comments" on a draft. Following Israel’s rejection, Hamas also pushed back, saying it would only disarm once Israel halts strike and pulls troops back first. The resistance from Israel reveals that Trump announced a "done deal" without securing an agreement from either side.
3. Disarmament, demilitarization of Hamas and Israeli withdrawal
Hamas's disarmament, Gaza's broader demilitarization, and Israel's withdrawal remain the central obstacle for implementation. Hamas says its weapons could be handed to a new Palestinian authority over 200 to 300 days, running alongside a phased Israeli pull-back. Israel rejects this, with Netanyahu saying the IDF "cannot retreat in the Gaza Strip" until Hamas is fully and genuinely disarmed. Smotrich has gone further, objecting that the published roadmap "is not the plan... nor is it the one we voted on," arguing it fails to guarantee full demilitarization of the strip. Israel says withdrawing while Hamas or Gaza's factions retain any weapons would recreate the same security threat. The deadlock repeats itself as Hamas wants disarmament and withdrawal to run in parallel, while Israel demands complete disarmament and demilitarization to hold its end of the bargain.
5. Political pressure from Israel’s far right
The rejection of the plan is closely linked to domestic Israel’s domestic politics. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu depends on his far-right coalition partners to maintain his government and therefore cannot easily afford to alienate them, particularly ahead of the October 2026 elections. Far-right figures, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have opposed arrangements that could reduce Israeli control over Gaza or allow Hamas to retain military capabilities. Some far-right ministers have also supported expanding Israeli territory and establishing settlements in Gaza, directly conflicting with the plan. Netanyahu’s insistence on complete Hamas disarmament therefore addresses both Israel’s state’s security concerns and the political demands of his coalition.
In perspective
First, the rejection of the 15-point plan raises questions about whether the peace process can move forward. The plan depends on both sides accepting a common process, but Israel and Hamas continue to differ over disarmament and withdrawal. This could keep the agreement in a deadlock.
Second, Netanyahu’s dependence on his far-right coalition partners could shape his position on the Gaza plan. Their opposition to Israeli withdrawal and support for a harder line on Gaza may limit his ability to compromise, especially as elections approach. The issue could therefore become part of Netanyahu’s wider political strategy.
Third, the deadlock over sequencing persists . While Hamas insists on Israeli withdrawal to facilitate disarmament, Netanyahu has made clear that Israel will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed. This difference in sequencing remains a major obstacle to the agreement.
