Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered an unambiguous message to US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff on Tuesday: Israel will not compromise on its war aims in Gaza, and Tehran’s promises are worthless.
In a high-stakes meeting in Jerusalem, Netanyahu insisted that any reconstruction of the Gaza Strip must be preceded by the complete disarmament of Hamas and the full demilitarization of the territory. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Israel will not tolerate any rushed diplomatic frameworks that ignore these core security requirements.
Netanyahu also made clear that the Palestinian Authority “will play no role” in governing Gaza, directly rebuffing attempts by international actors to position the PA or its symbols as a stabilizing force. Earlier that day, the PMO condemned the technocratic Gaza oversight committee’s unauthorized use of PA emblems, signaling Israel’s rejection of backdoor legitimization.
Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister under the PA, currently leads the committee.
Warning on Iran and UNRWA violations
Netanyahu also briefed US Ambassador Mike Huckabee on serious violations uncovered by Israeli forces in Gaza—including the use of UNRWA-labeled humanitarian aid bags to conceal weapons. The revelation adds to the growing international scrutiny of the UN agency’s role in facilitating or ignoring Hamas activity.
Humanitarian aid or smuggled terrorist weaponry?
IDF troops uncovered 110 mortar shells, several rockets, and additional weapons hidden inside blankets & UNRWA humanitarian aid bags near the Yellow Line.
Despite the ceasefire, terrorists in Gaza continue to rearm, using… pic.twitter.com/BZipmLMi3e
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 3, 2026
Looking ahead to Witkoff’s upcoming meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Netanyahu issued a stern warning: “Iran has proven time and time again that its promises cannot be trusted.”
The White House envoy is expected to meet with additional ministers from Arab and Muslim states to explore diplomatic contours of a potential nuclear accord—talks which Israel views with deep suspicion given Iran’s destabilizing role in the region.
Strategic resolve
Netanyahu’s meeting with Witkoff is the latest in a series of diplomatic maneuvers underscoring Israel’s firm stance: no shortcuts, no appeasement, and no illusions about the nature of its enemies.
Israel’s war objectives—Hamas’s total disarmament, permanent demilitarization of Gaza, and prevention of hostile entities on its border—remain non-negotiable.
As negotiations accelerate behind closed doors, Israel is making its red lines unmistakably clear.
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