The future of Hamas—specifically, its complete disarmament—lies at the very core of the U.S. peace proposal that President Donald Trump will press upon Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday. While both leaders agree on the goal of neutralizing the militant group, they disagree on the means of achieving it.
The American 21-point plan makes the disarmament of Hamas a non-negotiable condition for a lasting ceasefire and the reconstruction of Gaza. The proposal envisions a process, likely overseen by international monitors, to ensure that the group can no longer possess the military capabilities to threaten Israel or govern the strip.
This is a key element designed to win Israeli support for the deal. By promising the removal of the Hamas threat, the U.S. is addressing Israel’s primary security concern. It offers a way to achieve the goal of a demilitarized Gaza through a structured, internationally-backed process rather than open-ended warfare.
The point of contention is how to get there. Prime Minister Netanyahu has expressed his preference for achieving this goal through military force, vowing to “finish the job.” He is likely skeptical that Hamas would ever voluntarily agree to disarm as part of a negotiated settlement.
President Trump’s challenge will be to convince Netanyahu that the diplomatic path, backed by regional pressure and international oversight, is a more effective and sustainable way to achieve the disarmament of Hamas than a protracted and bloody military campaign. The credibility of this disarmament plan will be a crucial factor in Netanyahu’s final decision.