Netanyahu says "no Palestinian state will arise" as he rejects US-led Gaza peace plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally refused to back a US-led peace plan for Gaza, saying Sunday that he has ruled out Palestinian statehood under his leadership. The proposal, issued July 31 by the Board of Peace, would require Hamas and other armed groups to hand over weapons to a new Palestinian governing body while Israeli forces withdraw in stages. Netanyahu stayed quiet after its release, then announced his opposition and stressed the need for full Hamas disarmament. His right-wing coalition partners had urged him to reject the plan, which polls show is unpopular with his base. President Donald Trump was asked Monday about the dispute and described their relationship as positive. A Board of Peace official said the plan is still in force and discussions with Israel are continuing. The standoff has opened a public rift between Washington and Israel.