What Are Israel's Security Concerns Over the New Hamas Disarmament Deal?

Israel Raises Alarm Over Hamas Disarmament Agreement

Tel Aviv: Israel has expressed significant security worries to the White House regarding the recently proposed disarmament agreement with Hamas, as revealed by an Israeli official in comments made to the press on Sunday. This marks one of the first public statements following the announcement of the deal by US President Donald Trump earlier this week.

Doron Spielman, a spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister's office, conveyed to the media that Israel's intelligence indicates Hamas is more focused on rebuilding its military capabilities rather than genuinely disarming. He emphasized that the Israeli military will not withdraw from Gaza, where it currently controls over 60% of the area, until Hamas has fully disarmed.

Spielman warned that if Israel were to redeploy its forces before Hamas is genuinely disarmed, the group would likely expand its influence in Gaza, reconstruct its terrorist infrastructure, and pose renewed threats to Israeli communities, potentially leading to another attack similar to the one on October 7, 2023, which sparked the ongoing conflict.

He clarified that disarmament entails the complete surrender of weapons, stating, 'Nothing less will suffice.'

These remarks come shortly after Hamas announced its intention to begin disarmament as part of a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US nine months ago, aimed at concluding the nearly three-year-long conflict. While this could signify a potential breakthrough, numerous challenges and lengthy timelines remain.

Hurdles in the Disarmament Process

Trump's ceasefire plan, consisting of 20 points, requires Hamas to relinquish its weapons and dismantle its extensive tunnel network. The plan also includes provisions for Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza, the establishment of a new technocratic Palestinian government, the deployment of an international security force, and the reconstruction of the war-torn Palestinian territory.

Negotiations have been stalled for months, primarily due to disagreements over Hamas's disarmament. In a social media announcement, Trump indicated that the implementation of the deal would occur in carefully organized phases.

According to a copy of the agreement verified by the media, all weapons held by the Hamas-controlled police will be handed over to the US-supported Palestinian technocratic committee, known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, upon its arrival in the region. However, the timeline for this transfer remains uncertain as it depends on other conditions being met.

The process of decommissioning and storing heavy weapons, as well as dismantling military production facilities and tunnels, will commence following the arrival of the Palestinian committee and the deployment of international forces. This process is linked to a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops, as outlined in the agreement.

The areas under Israeli control in Gaza have suffered extensive destruction and depopulation. The majority of Gaza's 2 million Palestinians reside in the other part of the territory, where many live in dire conditions in tent camps and devastated neighborhoods.

With upcoming elections in October, Israel is unlikely to make significant troop withdrawals or concessions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a challenging reelection campaign, with critics accusing him of failing to prevent the October 7 attack, while his far-right coalition partners are urging him to maintain pressure on Hamas and keep forces stationed in Gaza.

Concerns Over Hamas's Military Build-Up

Spielman noted that Israel values Trump's commitment to its security and to achieving a lasting resolution, but the government's stance on disarmament is grounded in intelligence reports indicating that Hamas is actively rearming, recruiting fighters, and enhancing its military capabilities.

Details of what Israel communicated to the White House remain unclear. Sources familiar with the situation revealed that Israel had expressed its concerns to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is part of the Trump-led Board of Peace. One source mentioned that Israel sought the freedom to conduct military operations in Gaza, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions.

Ongoing Israeli Strikes in Gaza

Since the ceasefire was established last October, Israel has continued its military operations in Gaza, claiming to target Hamas and its infrastructure.

Recent Israeli airstrikes over the weekend resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals, including children, according to health officials. A strike on a residential building in southern Gaza claimed the lives of three family members, including a 4-year-old child, as reported by Nasser hospital, where the bodies were taken.

The Israeli military stated that the overnight strikes were aimed at Hamas military operatives, although they did not provide further details.