Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Tuesday that Israel will not withdraw from its current positions in Gaza until the militant group Hamas is fully disarmed, signaling a setback for a recent agreement brokered by the United States. Netanyahu’s comments, made in a video posted on social media from Deir al-Balah in Gaza City, underscored ongoing tensions between Israel and the Trump administration over the terms of the ceasefire.

The U.S.-mediated arrangement, which aimed to end hostilities and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, envisioned a phased Israeli withdrawal from about 60 percent of Gaza in return for Hamas starting its disarmament process. The deal traces its origins to an October ceasefire that halted major military operations in the region but has since struggled to advance key components, including full disengagement and weapon decommissioning by Hamas.

Netanyahu, who is campaigning ahead of Israel’s October elections, emphasized that Israel’s security requirements remain paramount. “We will continue to do whatever is necessary to protect ourselves, our territory, and our citizens,” he said, reiterating that disarmament by Hamas must precede any Israeli pullback.

The Israeli prime minister also indicated that the draft proposal submitted by the Trump administration does not reflect Israel’s position. “The U.S. sent us a draft; we did not agree with it. It is not our draft. We have sent back our comments,” Netanyahu said, highlighting a rare moment of open disagreement with Washington’s peace efforts.

The impasse leaves the future of the ceasefire uncertain, complicating efforts to stabilize the volatile Gaza Strip after years of conflict. While the U.S. seeks to promote a phased de-escalation, Israel’s insistence on a complete disarmament of Hamas before any territorial concessions underscores the persistent challenges in reaching a lasting resolution.