Netanyahu Rejects Gaza Framework, Says Israel Won't Withdraw Until Hamas Disarmament

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel's rejection of a reported 15-point Gaza framework during the weekly Cabinet meeting on Sunday, stating that the Israel Defense Forces would not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed and that military operations against threats would continue.

Netanyahu dismissed reports of Israeli concessions on multiple security fronts, characterizing them as unfounded. "We reject the 15-point document," He said. "The IDF will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed. When I say disarmed, I mean all weapons - heavy weapons, lighter weapons, every weapon. We are talking about a real disarmament, not a fictitious one."

He indicated Israel is coordinating with the United States on the matter, noting that Washington has proposed various ideas, some of which Israel accepts and others it rejects. "We know how to stand firm on matters that are vital to Israel's security," He said.

On Iran's nuclear program, Netanyahu expressed confidence in the U.S. Strategic partnership, stating: "With or without an agreement, as long as I am prime minister, Iran will not have nuclear weapons. The existence of our state is not negotiable." He argued that Iran refrains from directly attacking Israel because it understands the consequences, noting that "Iran attacks countries throughout the region, and even beyond it, but there is one country it has not attacked - Israel. It knows the powerful blow we would inflict if it did."

Addressing Lebanon, Netanyahu said Israel has continued military operations against Hezbollah. "In recent days, Israel has acted forcefully in Lebanon and eliminated terrorists, including in the Ali al-Taher Ridge area," He said.

On Palestinian statehood, Netanyahu reiterated his opposition: "As long as I am prime minister, there will be no Palestinian state, neither in Gaza nor in Judea and Samaria. There will be neither a 'Fatahstan' nor a 'Hamastan.'"

Netanyahu cited Israel's military operations in Rafah, the Philadelphi Corridor, and Lebanon, along with strikes against Iran, as evidence of the government's security record. "We have proven time and again that we act where necessary to protect Israel's security," He said.