Netanyahu: We will not withdraw from current lines in Gaza until Hamas is disarmed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel's position as diplomatic contacts continue regarding the second phase of the ceasefire process in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu announced that Israeli forces will not withdraw from their current positions in Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed.

In a video message posted on his social media account, Netanyahu stated, "We will not withdraw from our current lines in Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed." Netanyahu argued that this stance is one of the fundamental elements of Israel's security approach.

SECOND PHASE PLAN

Netanyahu stated that he believes U.S. President Donald Trump and his team can achieve results regarding the disarmament of Hamas. Noting that the roadmap prepared by the Peace Council for the second phase of the ceasefire has been conveyed to Israel, Netanyahu recorded that they have communicated their objections to the plan to the Washington administration.

Despite the ceasefire agreement that came into effect in Gaza on October 10, 2025, it is reported that the Israeli army's attacks continue and that it maintains its military presence in most of the Gaza Strip.

Gaza Peace Council High Representative Nikolay Mladenov had previously announced that Hamas had accepted the roadmap prepared for the second phase of the ceasefire. U.S. President Trump had also announced that an agreement had been reached with Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza regarding laying down arms.

Hamas, for its part, had emphasized that for the second phase to be implemented, Israel must stop its attacks and fully fulfill the obligations it undertook in the first phase of the ceasefire.