Disarming Hamas No Longer a Red Line? US Reconsiders Gaza Terms

Netanyahu clarified on Sunday that he would not accept any arrangement that allows Hamas to retain weapons.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Israel is growing concerned amid reports from Al Arabiya that the United States is considering skipping a full disarmament phase in Gaza and moving directly into rebuilding damaged neighborhoods.

According to the report, US officials have ruled out deploying American ground forces, pushing policymakers to consider alternatives that could advance reconstruction while avoiding a direct military footprint.

Israeli sources cited in the coverage said such a move risks cementing Hamas’s ability to rearm and could derail long-term stability goals.

These discussions come as the UN Security Council prepares to vote on a resolution backing President Donald Trump’s Gaza proposal.

The latest draft is the product of multiple rounds of negotiation and is described by diplomats as the framework that helped secure the October 10 ceasefire.

The resolution outlines the creation of a “Stabilization Force” tasked with coordinating with Israel, Egypt, and specially trained Palestinian Authority police to secure borders, remove weapons held by unauthorized groups, and maintain humanitarian corridors.

The text additionally calls for a “Peace Council” that would govern Gaza through 2027 under President Trump’s chairmanship.

Israeli political officials quoted by Yedioth Ahronoth highlighted sections they believe work against Israeli interests—particularly those addressing Palestinian statehood and limitations on Israel’s veto power over which countries may send peacekeepers.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made clear Sunday that he will not accept any arrangement that allows Hamas to retain weapons.

Addressing suggestions that parts of Gaza might remain under Hamas control without full demilitarization, he said, “There will be no such thing.” He added, “In the 20-point plan, and in any other case, this area will be demilitarized and Hamas will be disarmed — either the easy way or the hard way.” Netanyahu said this position aligns with President Trump’s plan and reiterated Israel’s insistence on eliminating any remaining armed capability in Hamas-run areas.

An Israeli security official echoed the same stance, saying Israel will remain in Gaza until “not a single rifle” can again be used against Israelis.