Israel expressed its concerns to the United States about the proposed disarmament deal with Hamas, raising doubts about the agreement promoted by President Donald Trump. Doron Spielman, spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, stated that Israel has communicated its comments and concerns about the proposed framework to American counterparts. The version made public does not represent Israel’s position.
This statement is the first clear public reaction from Netanyahu’s office and follows a deadly weekend in the Gaza Strip. According to the local Health Ministry, Israeli attacks killed at least 19 people on Sunday. The Israeli military stated that the strikes focused on Hamas militants and infrastructure.
Family and friends mourn a victim killed in an Israeli airstrike, at Al-Shifa Hospital on Sunday, in Gaza City.
The tensions between Trump and Netanyahu appear evident as Netanyahu faces a tough re-election battle in October. The two leaders met last week, just days before unveiling the disarmament deal.
Spielman emphasized that the indisputable first step toward any lasting arrangement is the genuine, verifiable, and irreversible demilitarization of Hamas, entailing the group physically surrendering its weapons. Hamas suggested that its agreement to disarm depends on Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and a complete cessation of aggression.
Israeli intelligence reported that over the past eight months, Hamas has used the ceasefire to rearm, recruit thousands of additional fighters, rebuild its military infrastructure, and prepare for assaults similar to the one on October 7, 2023.
Members of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, in the central Gaza Strip in 2025.
The White House did not immediately respond to NBC News’ request for comment on Israeli concerns. Trump announced on Friday that he had an understanding with Israel, which was reportedly very happy about the Hamas disarmament agreement.
Despite cautious hopes of progress in advancing the peace settlement secured by the U.S. last year, regional observers noted that any deal is unlikely to lead to immediate changes in Gaza. Both Hamas and Israel seem uninterested in signing the agreement. Meanwhile, Israel continues strikes, despite the ceasefire.
The Palestinian Health Ministry reported on Monday that 19 people were killed and 35 injured in Gaza over the past 24 hours. A day earlier, seven deaths were reported, bringing the weekend total to at least 26.
Dr. Muneer al-Bursh, director of the Health Ministry in Gaza, explained that ongoing Israeli attacks, including strikes on homes and vehicles, raised casualty numbers hourly. He added that hospitals face pressure due to continuous attacks amidst severe shortages of medical supplies.
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