Israel’s Security Warning: Doubts Grow Over Hamas Disarmament Agreement

Israel raises security concerns over Hamas deal

IIE DIGITAL: Israel has conveyed "serious security concerns" to the White House over the proposed Hamas disarmament agreement, with officials warning that the militant group may attempt to rebuild its military capabilities rather than fully surrender its weapons.

Doron Spielman, spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, said Israel's intelligence assessment suggests that Hamas remains committed to restoring its military infrastructure. His comments came after US President Donald Trump announced the proposed agreement aimed at ending the long-running Gaza conflict.

Spielman said Israel would not withdraw its forces from Gaza, where it currently controls more than 60 per cent of the territory, until Hamas completes the disarmament process. He warned that any premature withdrawal could allow Hamas to regain influence, rebuild its network and pose a renewed threat to Israeli communities.

"Our assessment is that if we redeploy before Hamas is truly disarmed, it will quickly expand its presence throughout Gaza, rebuild its terrorist infrastructure and seek to carry out another attack like October 7," Spielman said, referring to the 2023 Hamas assault on Israel that triggered the ongoing war.

He stressed that disarmament must involve the physical surrender of weapons and said Israel would not accept anything less.

The concerns were raised days after Hamas announced that it would begin disarming as part of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement. The proposal represents a possible breakthrough in efforts to end the conflict, though several challenges remain regarding implementation, security guarantees and timelines.

Trump's 20-point ceasefire framework includes Hamas surrendering weapons, dismantling tunnel networks, establishing a new technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza, deploying an international security force and rebuilding the war-ravaged region.

According to the agreement, weapons held by Hamas-run police forces would be transferred to a US-backed Palestinian committee responsible for administering Gaza. The plan also includes a process to dismantle military production facilities and underground tunnel networks after the arrival of the committee and international forces.

However, the issue of Hamas disarmament has remained one of the biggest obstacles in negotiations. Israel has insisted on strict security guarantees before agreeing to any major withdrawal of troops.

The Gaza situation remains tense, with Israeli strikes continuing across the territory. Local hospitals reported that at least 17 people, including children, were killed in overnight and Sunday attacks. The Israeli military said the strikes targeted militant operatives and infrastructure.

The proposed agreement comes amid continued political pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces criticism from both supporters demanding tougher action against Hamas and opponents questioning his government's handling of the conflict.

US officials said Israel had been consulted throughout the negotiations and was not being asked to take steps beyond commitments made under the ceasefire and hostage release agreement.

While the White House has not issued a detailed response to Israel's concerns, officials are expected to continue discussions over the terms of the disarmament process and the future security arrangement in Gaza.