Netanyahu says Israel rejects U.S.-backed 15-point Gaza peace plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday that Israel rejects a 15-point Gaza peace roadmap plan presented by the U.S.-led “Board of Peace,” maintaining that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed.

The announcement marks Israel’s first official and straightforward rejection of the plan. Netanyahu told the weekly cabinet meeting that Israeli forces, which Israeli officials had previously estimated control about 70 percent of Gaza, will continue to carry out attacks in the enclave to “thwart threats.” He said Israel is still in talks with the United States about the document of the plan.