GAZA SHOWDOWN: Israel Pushes Back Against U.S. Pressure, Demands Full Hamas Disarmament Before Further Withdrawals

An Israeli official said the United States is intensifying pressure on Israel to advance a 15-point plan for Gaza, leading to what was characterized as "difficult talks" Between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior U.S. Officials. Israel now firmly opposes any partial or gradual demilitarization of the Gaza Strip and is demanding complete Hamas disarmament before agreeing to further withdrawals or progressing to the next stage of the plan.

According to the official, Netanyahu initially did not fully grasp the severity of American pressure but has since aligned with Israeli officials opposing the proposal and placed a "complete veto" On the current approach. Israel had previously agreed to a pilot program in Rafah creating an area free of Hamas control, but has since reversed that position, with the official stating that accepting such a framework was "a mistake."

"There is no such thing as gradual disarmament," The official said. "First, Hamas must be completely disarmed, and only afterward can we discuss the next stage." Israel is rejecting proposals for area-by-area demilitarization with localized Israeli withdrawals, instead demanding complete demilitarization of Gaza and refusing frameworks involving isolated demilitarized zones or piecemeal withdrawals.

Nikolay Mladenov, director-general of the Peace Council, offered a contrasting view in a separate interview, stating the plan does not require steps to be completed before ground implementation begins. According to Mladenov, Israeli withdrawals would occur gradually in line with demilitarization progress. "We will dismantle [weapons] area by area," Mladenov said.

Despite disagreements with Washington, the Israeli official cautioned against actions that could unnecessarily strain relations with the Trump administration. Regarding targeted operations in Gaza, Israel should avoid large-scale assassinations or dramatic operations perceived as deliberately provoking Americans. "The goal is not to ignite the situation," The official said, noting Israeli officials must "tighten their belts" To prevent independent actions jeopardizing the diplomatic process.

The official also assessed Iran's situation as highly favorable for Israel, citing intense economic pressure and lack of meaningful negotiations. The official confirmed reports that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had threatened to resign, stating that mounting economic pressure is weighing on Iran's government. If current conditions persist for another two or three months, Iran could approach a breaking point, according to the official.