Tel Aviv, Israel – At the start of a cabinet meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Tel Aviv officially rejects the 15-point plan. He also stressed that the Israeli army will not withdraw from the Gaza Strip until Hamas is completely and genuinely disarmed.
A response to the rumors and a firm stance against the Iranian front
Netanyahu began his remarks by commenting on the relative lull in Iranian attacks, saying that Iran is attacking various countries in the region while avoiding Israel. This is because it understands the scale and severity of the response it would receive. He also addressed the recent wave of rumors about Israel’s weakness. He asserted that these claims originate from those who previously advocated for withdrawal from Gaza and avoiding Lebanon and Iran.
On the Iranian issue, Netanyahu expressed his appreciation for US President Donald Trump and the historic partnership against Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He also made a firm promise, saying: “Whether there is an agreement or not, as long as I am prime minister, Iran will never possess nuclear weapons; Israel’s existence is non-negotiable.”
Developments in the Lebanese conflict and a complete rejection of a Palestinian state
Regarding Lebanon, Netanyahu referred to the recent military operations there, explaining that Israel had carried out decisive actions and eliminated a number of militants. He also affirmed that the army would continue to act wisely and resolutely to remove threats. Concerning the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, Netanyahu made a firm pledge that no Palestinian state would be established as long as he remained in office. Moreover, he accompanied this with a categorical rejection of the so-called “Fifteen-Point Plan.”
Strict conditions for disarmament and rejection of concessions
In detailing the Israeli position on the Gaza Strip, Netanyahu stressed: “I repeat here: Israel rejects the fifteen-point document. The Israeli army will not withdraw until Hamas is completely disarmed, and by that we mean heavy and light weapons and all types of weapons. It must be a real disarmament, not a symbolic one.”
He explained that discussions are ongoing with the American side on this issue, amidst differing viewpoints between the two parties. He also emphasized Israel’s ability to protect its interests and positions, even against its closest allies. To dispel any doubts, Netanyahu pointed to previous military operations in Rafah and the Philadelphi Corridor. He added that strikes against Lebanon and Iran serve as practical proof of the government’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. Furthermore, it shows its rejection of external pressure.
