Israel has reportedly told the United States it is willing to negotiate an agreement limiting targeted strikes against terrorists in Gaza, but that any such agreement would not protect those who participated in the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre. The report comes as negotiations over a U.S.-backed plan to disarm Hamas remain unresolved.
According to The Times of Israel, Jerusalem conveyed its position to Washington amid ongoing discussions over the Board of Peace’s roadmap for Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the current framework on Sunday, making clear that Israel will not withdraw its troops from Gaza until Hamas is “genuinely disarmed”.
Netanyahu emphasized that disarmament must include all of Hamas’ weapons—not simply an agreement that leaves the terrorist organization capable of rebuilding its military forces.
“And when I say Hamas must be disarmed, I mean the heavy weapons, the less-heavy weapons, all weapons,” Netanyahu said. “And we are talking about genuine disarmament, not a fictitious one.”
Despite Netanyahu’s rejection of the roadmap, a Board of Peace official told Reuters that the plan remains active and that discussions with Israel are continuing, with each stage moving forward only after the required commitments have been met.
The proposed roadmap reportedly calls for Hamas to gradually surrender its weapons while the IDF withdraws toward the original Yellow Line. Israel would also reportedly be restricted from carrying out strikes except against targets considered imminent threats.
Reports from IDF soldiers in Gaza have also suggested that the military’s rules of engagement have become more restrictive since the roadmap was publicized. Soldiers reported that targeted strikes now require approval from IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, rather than commanders at lower levels. The IDF Spokesperson’s Office, however, denied that the rules of engagement had changed.
Donald Trump was asked Monday about Netanyahu’s rejection of the roadmap and emphasized that his relationship with Netanyahu remains “very good.”
As negotiations continue, Israel is maintaining that the safety of its citizens must remain the priority. Jerusalem has made clear that any agreement must prevent Hamas from retaining the weapons and capabilities needed to carry out another attack like Oct. 7.
The Fellowship and our supporters pray for the safety of Israel’s soldiers and citizens, for wisdom for Israel’s leaders and allies, and for the complete defeat of terrorism as efforts continue to secure lasting peace in the region.