During a visit to the United States on August 10, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Gaza ceasefire agreement does not bind Israel, according to reports from the visit. He linked any Israeli withdrawal from Gaza to the 'total disarmament' of militant groups, a condition he emphasized as essential.
Netanyahu's remarks came amid ongoing negotiations and international pressure to finalize a truce in the conflict that has caused widespread devastation. The Prime Minister's office did not immediately clarify which specific aspects of the agreement he considers non-binding, but his comments suggest a hardline stance ahead of further talks.
The United States, which has been mediating alongside Qatar and Egypt, has not yet officially responded to Netanyahu's statement. However, analysts note that such public declarations could complicate the diplomatic process, as the deal was previously hailed as a breakthrough by US officials.
No official text of the agreement has been released, and details remain scarce. The situation on the ground in Gaza remains tense, with sporadic violence reported despite the declared ceasefire.
