Netanyahu to Mladenov Hamas Must Be Fully Disarmed Under Peace Plan

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s uncompromising position that Hamas must be fully disarmed and the Gaza Strip completely demilitarized, during a key meeting Thursday with former UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov widely expected to head the upcoming Gaza Board of Peace.

According to statements from the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu emphasized that the disarmament of Hamas is non-negotiable and directly tied to U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace initiative for Gaza. “Hamas must be disarmed and the Gaza Strip must be demilitarized in accordance with the 20-point plan,” Netanyahu stated.

The high-stakes meeting came as preparations accelerate for Phase 2 of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire, which envisions a new technocratic Palestinian government in Gaza. The government would be selected by Palestinians but subject to approval by Israel following a vetting process. Oversight will fall to the soon-to-be-announced Gaza Board of Peace, a body of world leaders appointed by Trump, with Mladenov expected to lead its operations on the ground.

On Friday, Mladenov met with senior Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh in Ramallah to discuss the transition. “We discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip, ways to move to the second phase, and mechanisms for implementing the plan,” Sheikh confirmed.

The proposed board has become a focal point of geopolitical maneuvering. Israel has strongly opposed the inclusion of Turkish representatives, citing security concerns and Ankara’s support for Hamas. Despite this, some in the Trump administration continue to push for Turkey’s involvement, given its role alongside Egypt and Qatar as a guarantor of the ceasefire agreement signed with Hamas.

Sources indicate that Trump has yet to finalize the board’s full composition, with a formal announcement expected later this month.

For Israel, the path forward hinges on one fundamental principle: Hamas cannot be allowed to rearm or retain military capabilities. Netanyahu has made it clear that any progress in Gaza, including governance and reconstruction, must be built on the foundation of long-term security guarantees chief among them, the complete disarmament of the terror group that launched the October 7 massacre.

As the international community looks to stabilize Gaza, Israel’s leadership remains laser-focused on ensuring that any new arrangement does not repeat the mistakes of the past. Disarming Hamas is not only central to Israel’s security, but essential for real peace to take root.

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