In a surprising development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly rejected the 15-point peace plan for Gaza that was drafted by the US-led Board of Peace. On Monday, United States President Donald Trump asserted that his relationship with Netanyahu remains "strong" despite the rejection. The controversy erupted after Netanyahu explicitly stated on Sunday that he opposes the Gaza plan, which aims for a phased disarmament by Hamas and withdrawal of Israeli forces to end the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Gaza plan has received criticism from Netanyahu's right-wing base, with far-right members urging him to abandon it. The US announced a breakthrough in the ceasefire framework last month, claiming that both Hamas and Israel had agreed to the phased plan. However, Netanyahu had initially kept quiet about the plan before formally rejecting it on Sunday. He emphasized that the Israeli army will not withdraw until Hamas is disarmed, and vowed that no Palestinian state would be established while he remains prime minister. The rejection indicates a growing policy rift between the US and Israel over Tel Aviv's hard-power strategy. Al Jazeera's Patty Culhane commented that Netanyahu's stance could be a risky move, as Israel is becoming increasingly unpopular in the US, with the Democratic Party leaning towards the Palestinian cause. A Board of Peace official confirmed on Monday that the Gaza plan remains operative, stating that discussions with Israel are ongoing and each stage will only progress once commitments have been met. The White House and US Department of State have yet to comment on Netanyahu's remarks.