Doron Spielman, spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister’s office, informed The Associated Press on Sunday that Israel has shared "serious security concerns" with the White House about the proposed disarmament agreement with Hamas. These comments represent some of the first public remarks since U.S. President Donald Trump announced the deal earlier this week.
Spielman told the AP that Israeli intelligence assesses Hamas remains dedicated to rebuilding its military rather than achieving genuine demilitarization. He stated that the Israeli military would not withdraw from Gaza, where it controls over 60% of the territory, until Hamas disarms.
"Our assessment is that if we redeploy before Hamas is truly disarmed, it will quickly expand its presence throughout Gaza, rebuild its terrorist infrastructure, once again threaten Israeli communities, and seek to carry out another Oct. 7-style attack," Spielman said, referencing the 2023 attack that initiated Israel's war in Gaza.
Spielman emphasized, "Disarming means physically giving up the weapons. Nothing less."
These statements follow days after Hamas announced it would begin disarming as part of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire signed nine months ago to conclude the nearly three-year conflict. While this signals a potential breakthrough in ending the conflict, numerous hurdles, conditions, and extended timelines remain.
Hamas claims agreement to disarm, but obstacles persist
Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan requires the militant group to surrender its weaponry and dismantle its extensive tunnel network. The plan also includes Israeli forces withdrawing from Gaza, the establishment of a new Palestinian technocratic government, deployment of an international security force, and rebuilding the damaged Palestinian enclave.
Hamas disarmament has been a sticking point that has stalled negotiations for months. In announcing the deal on social media, Trump stated it would proceed in "carefully structured phases."
A copy of the agreement verified by the AP indicates that all weapons held by Hamas-run police will be transferred to the U.S.-backed Palestinian technocratic committee, known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, upon its arrival in the enclave. The timing of this transfer is uncertain as it depends on other steps.
The process for decommissioning and storing heavy weapons, along with dismantling military production sites and tunnels, will commence after the Palestinian committee arrives and international forces are deployed. This process is linked to a phased Israeli withdrawal, according to the agreement.
The areas under Israeli control in Gaza have suffered extensive destruction and depopulation. The majority of the territory's 2 million Palestinians reside in other parts, where hundreds of thousands live in dilapidated tent camps and ruined neighborhoods.
Israel appears unlikely to withdraw significant forces or make further concessions before its October elections. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a challenging reelection campaign; opponents criticize him for failing to prevent the Oct. 7, 2023, attack, and his far-right coalition partners urge him to maintain pressure on Hamas and keep forces in Gaza.
Israel warns Hamas is rearming
Although Spielman noted Israel appreciates Trump’s commitment to its security and finding a lasting resolution, the government's stance on disarmament is based on detailed intelligence indicating that Hamas continues to rearm, recruit fighters, and rebuild military capabilities.
The exact nature of Israel's communication to the White House remains unclear. Two individuals familiar with the deal told the AP that Israel conveyed its concerns to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is part of the Trump-led Board of Peace. One source mentioned that among Israel’s desired points was freedom to conduct military operations in Gaza. They spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to speak to the media.
Israel continues striking Gaza
Since the ceasefire began last October, Israel has maintained strikes on Gaza, asserting it is targeting Hamas and its infrastructure.
Health officials reported that Israeli strikes overnight Saturday into Sunday killed at least 10 people, including children. Nasser hospital confirmed that a strike on a residential apartment in southern Gaza killed three family members, including their 4-year-old child.
The Israeli military stated the overnight strikes targeted Hamas military operatives but provided no further details.