Israel expresses concerns over US peace plan for Gaza

Israel has formally communicated its concerns to the United States regarding the Gaza peace framework proposed by President Donald Trump. While the plan entails a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces and the transfer of governance to a new Palestinian administrative body, Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have distanced themselves from the current public version of the proposal. Spokesperson Doron Spielman stated that the published framework does not reflect Israel's official position, citing intelligence reports that Hamas has been rearming and recruiting new members despite the ceasefire established in October 2025.

On Monday, following meetings between the U.S. Peace Council and Prime Minister Netanyahu, it was confirmed that Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) will maintain their positions in the Gaza Strip. The Council stated that a full withdrawal beyond the so-called 'Yellow Line'—the demarcation separating Israeli-controlled areas from those held by Hamas—will only occur once the group has completed its promised disarmament. Although Hamas signaled last Friday its intent to surrender weapons to a Palestinian governing committee, Israel continues to carry out military operations, maintaining that it is targeting militant infrastructure despite ongoing efforts by Washington to finalize the roadmap to end the conflict.