Mladenov Assures Israel: Tunnel Dismantling Will Take 10 Years; No Immediate Withdrawal Required

Nickolay Mladenov, director-general of the Board of Peace overseeing Gaza's postwar future, told Channel 12 News political commentator Amit Segal that complete dismantling of Hamas's tunnel network would take 10 years. He stated that Israel would not be required to withdraw from its current positions at this stage of the process.

Regarding personal weapons, Mladenov indicated the framework does not call for large quantities of Kalashnikov assault rifles remaining in private hands. The plan addresses heavy weapons, manufacturing workshops, tunnels, and personal arms held by factions, with the goal of transferring control to a transitional authority.

Mladenov's comments come as efforts continue to implement the U.S.-backed plan for demilitarization, governance transition, and reconstruction in Gaza. The Board of Peace has insisted that concrete steps on disarmament must precede any significant Israeli pullback.