Israeli Ministers Reject US-Backed Gaza Disarmament Plan, Warn It Rewards Terrorists

Several Israeli cabinet ministers have strongly opposed a US-backed agreement aimed at disarming Gaza, accusing the United States of establishing an entity that rewards the killers of Jews. This criticism comes amid tensions following a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Nikolay Mladenov, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. Mladenov requested a 14-day halt to Israeli strikes and targeted killings in Gaza to finalize the details of the disarmament plan, but Israeli officials firmly rejected any withdrawal before Hamas is fully disarmed.

The Israeli ministers, including Orit Strook and Bezalel Smotrich, criticized the plan as "fake disarmament," arguing that weapons and governance would effectively remain in Palestinian hands. They also accused Netanyahu of being cautious out of respect for US President Donald Trump, which they say prevents him from rejecting the plan outright. The ministers called for convening the security cabinet to vote against the agreement, emphasizing that the current approach undermines the original goal of complete Hamas disarmament before any Israeli withdrawal.

Despite the US and the Peace Council's insistence on a ceasefire and phased Israeli withdrawal only after disarmament, Israeli officials have made clear they will continue to prevent any threats from Gaza. American officials reportedly warned Israel that its actions have made it a "pariah state." Meanwhile, after more than 30 hours without Israeli strikes, the Israeli Air Force conducted a drone attack on a vehicle in Gaza City, killing two Palestinians, marking the first Israeli military action in Gaza since the ceasefire demand.

The Peace Council described the Netanyahu-Mladenov meeting as "productive and detailed," affirming a shared understanding of the goal to fully disarm Gaza and transfer authority to a civilian body, with international oversight including the US. However, Israeli ministers remain skeptical and resistant to the plan, highlighting the ongoing friction between Israeli security priorities and international diplomatic efforts.