Israel has conveyed "serious security concerns" To the White House regarding an agreement to disarm Hamas, according to an Israeli official.
Doron Spielman, spokesman for the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, told the Associated Press that Israel's intelligence assessment indicated Hamas remained committed to rebuilding its military capabilities. He stated that the Israel Defense Forces would not withdraw from Gaza until the terrorist group was fully disarmed.
"Our assessment is that if we redeploy before Hamas is truly disarmed, it will quickly expand its presence throughout Gaza, rebuild its terrorist infrastructure, once again threaten Israeli communities, and seek to carry out another Oct. 7-style attack," Spielman said. He added: "Disarming means physically giving up the weapons. Nothing less."
The comments marked the first public statement by an Israeli official since U.S. President Donald Trump announced the deal, which forms part of a ceasefire agreement signed nine months prior that concluded the nearly three-year conflict.
Nickolay Mladenov, Trump's high representative for Gaza overseeing ceasefire implementation, said his team was working toward de-escalation and full implementation of the peace plan. He referenced recent strikes across Gaza that killed civilians and destroyed medical supplies.
"Both parties carry obligations under the Comprehensive Plan and the Sharm El Sheikh deal that secured the release of all hostages," Mladenov said. "Achieving a lasting peace is hard but achievable if everyone makes their best efforts."
Trump announced the Board of Peace had reached the disarmament agreement with Hamas. Under the phased implementation plan, the Israel Defense Forces would withdraw as disarmament progresses. An International Stabilization Force, working alongside a newly formed Palestinian police force, would provide security in the enclave.