Benjamin Netanyahu says he has "great appreciation" for Trump while pushing back on US Gaza plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing back against Washington’s Gaza proposal, saying Israeli forces will not leave the Strip until Hamas surrenders all its weapons. The U.S. plan reportedly calls for phased disarmament and troop withdrawal. Hamas, for its part, says Israel must halt operations and fulfill its obligations before any weapons arrangement occurs. Netanyahu voiced admiration for President Trump, describing him as a White House ally and citing U.S.-Israeli cooperation against Iran’s nuclear program, while adding that Israel can hold firm even when disagreeing with close partners. He also said some American ideas are acceptable and others are not. The dispute follows Trump’s July 30 announcement of a plan for total disarmament of Hamas and Gaza armed groups, part of a U.S. effort to end the conflict. Recent reports indicate Israel has scaled back operations in Gaza.