The Fine Print of Trump's Framework: The Clause That Could Allow Hamas to Keep Its Weapons | Dr. Eitan Lesri
The article analyzes Trump's framework for Gaza and points out gaps: ambiguity in timelines, the scope of demilitarization, Hamas's demand to store weapons with a Palestinian committee, and the limitations of international oversight. The author presents five Israeli core principles: full demilitarization, destruction of weapons, independent verification, freedom of action for the IDF, and the return of hostages.
The article, by Dr. Eitan Lesri, analyzes Trump's framework for Gaza and points out substantive gaps that could allow Hamas to preserve its military capabilities. The author identifies ambiguity regarding the order of implementation and timelines, and warns that a gradual and parallel withdrawal could occur before demilitarization is completed. He emphasizes that the framework addresses rockets, tunnels, and heavy weapons, but leaves question marks regarding tens of thousands of small arms. Hamas's demand to transfer weapons to "storage" by a Palestinian committee, instead of destroying them, could allow the preservation of military infrastructure. The author also warns about the integration of Hamas-affiliated elements into enforcement mechanisms and the limitations of international oversight, which is not a substitute for independent verification. He presents five Israeli core principles: full, irreversible, and verified demilitarization; physical destruction or removal of weapons from the Strip; maintaining independent verification capability; full operational freedom of action for the IDF; and the return of all hostages as a precondition. In conclusion, he states that without binding timelines and reliable verification mechanisms, the ceasefire could become merely a tactical pause.