Netanyahu Affirms Continued Strikes on Hamas as US-Led Talks Focus on Gaza Disarmament

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met for over three hours on August 17, 2026, in Jerusalem with Jared Kushner, the US President's special envoy for Middle East affairs, along with senior members of the Peace Council including CEO Nikolay Mladenov and Tony Blair. The discussions centered on the disarmament of Hamas in Gaza, with a key agreement that Hamas must fully relinquish its weapons before any reconstruction efforts begin. Instead of transferring weapons to the Palestinian National Authority, the arms will be handed over to a US force commanded by General Jeffries for destruction.

An Israeli official told Walla that the initial phase involves this disarmament and that no rebuilding will start until Hamas is completely disarmed. The US-led Peace Council conveyed that Hamas has committed to immediately cease all military activities, including rearmament and tunnel digging. Netanyahu confirmed Israel's intention to honor previous commitments that helped secure the release of hostages, both living and deceased.

The parties agreed to establish two joint working groups: one focused on security and the disarmament of Gaza, aiming for a swift and thorough process, and another addressing essential civilian needs such as sanitation, clean water, and public health for Gaza residents. The initiative, backed by President Trump, aims for a fully demilitarized Gaza that no longer threatens Israel and where residents can pursue prosperity and dignity.

Following the meeting, Netanyahu's office emphasized the constructive nature of the talks and reiterated the commitment to complete disarmament before any reconstruction begins. The second team will focus on improving humanitarian conditions, which also impact Israeli citizens living nearby.