Netanyahu: US sent Israel draft Gaza Agreement but “we have not approved it”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday evening that his government remains committed to what it described as its “security requirements” in the Gaza Strip, stressing that the Israeli military will not withdraw from its current positions until Hamas has been fully disarmed.

Netanyahu said the government had instructed the military to “take all necessary measures” to protect Israeli soldiers, civilians and territory. He added that any future arrangements in Gaza must ensure that security threats cannot re-emerge.

He said US President Donald Trump and his team believe it is possible to reach an agreement that would lead to Hamas being disarmed and the Gaza Strip becoming a demilitarised area. Netanyahu said Israel is reviewing the US proposal but has not yet given its final approval.

He added that the US had submitted a draft proposal, while Israel had presented its comments and reservations during ongoing consultations on the roadmap for the second phase of the Gaza agreement.

Meanwhile, Israeli military sources said new restrictions have been imposed on targeted killing operations inside the Gaza Strip. Under the new rules, any such operation now requires prior approval from Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, whereas previously approval could be granted by field commanders in the Southern Command.