IDF Sets Red Lines for Gaza Ceasefire Agreement Including Weapon Oversight and No Gradual Withdrawal

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will establish three key red lines regarding the 15-point ceasefire agreement proposed by the Peace Council to end the Gaza war, as reported by Kan News on Monday evening. A special discussion is scheduled for Wednesday with Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and senior IDF officials to finalize the military's non-negotiable conditions for the agreement.

The first condition demands full operational freedom to neutralize emerging threats from Gaza, emphasizing continued prevention of attacks from militants described as "ticking bombs." The IDF also insists on external supervision of weapons in Gaza, rejecting the agreement's provision for internal Palestinian oversight under a technocratic government replacing Hamas. The military argues that internal monitoring is ineffective, using the analogy "not letting the cat guard the cream."

Most significantly, the IDF opposes any phased or partial withdrawal until Hamas is fully disarmed, contradicting the agreement's suggestion of a gradual pullback. These military demands will be presented to the political leadership for decision-making.

Meanwhile, the United States is cautiously managing its stance, avoiding public criticism of Israel while urging it to fulfill its commitments under the 20-point plan announced at the Sharm el-Sheikh conference. The U.S. expects Israel first to stabilize the front line and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Subsequently, after Hamas's disarmament begins, Israel should withdraw, cease attacks, and transfer authority to an international stabilization force. Although the U.S. currently lacks direct leverage over Israel, a senior official warned that President Biden would be "very, very disappointed" if Israel fails to meet these conditions.

In response to Israel's public opposition to the Trump initiative-based agreements, the Peace Council launched a rapid diplomatic effort. Its director, Alexander Vladanov, visited Israel for urgent talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials, reiterating that Israel had previously committed to these principles as part of the hostages' release deal.

Additional reports indicate that Hamas has started distributing personal weapons to its operatives within Gaza, signaling ongoing militarization despite the ceasefire talks.