Israeli Peace Council Plans Full Hamas Disarmament Before IDF Withdrawal from Gaza

Following a meeting between US Special Envoy Jared Kushner and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Peace Council is shifting its approach to Gaza's reconstruction. Instead of a gradual disarmament of Hamas and other terrorist groups, the council now aims for a single, comprehensive removal of all weapons from Gaza. This disarmament would precede a complete withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from the territory.

Netanyahu and Kushner held a four-hour discussion, joined later by Peace Council head Nikolay Mladenov and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Israeli officials emphasized that Gaza's rehabilitation will not proceed without Hamas fully surrendering its arms to the international stabilization force commander, General Jasper Jeffers, under US supervision. A council source stated the goal is a "real, full, and rapid disarmament" with no compromises or loopholes allowed.

Kushner, who left Israel after the talks, told Fox News that if the plan advances as intended, progress in Gaza could be seen within a month, including the closure of some terror tunnels. He issued a firm ultimatum to Hamas to honor agreements and disarm or face forceful action by the IDF. Kushner acknowledged the difficulty of trusting Hamas, describing them as "terror architects" behind the October 7 attacks, but expressed willingness to give them a chance to comply.

The meeting with Hamas leaders in Egypt drew criticism from Netanyahu and the Palestinian Authority. Kushner noted Hamas made the right statements but warned skepticism remains due to their violent history. Israeli officials confirmed that issues related to Lebanon and the West Bank were not discussed during the expanded meeting. Both sides agreed that only after Hamas is fully disarmed and Gaza demilitarized will Israel consider a full military withdrawal.

This new approach aims to reduce risks for involved countries and secure stronger international backing for Israel if forceful disarmament becomes necessary. The Peace Council's direction reflects a strategic shift toward a definitive resolution of Gaza's security challenges before any Israeli troop pullout.