Netanyahu Urges Neighbors to Normalize Ties and Join Israel in Removing Hamas

Netanyahu invites neighboring states to cooperate in removing Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged nearby countries to normalize relations with Israel and to join efforts to remove Hamas and its supporters from the region, his office said on the social platform X.

"Israel extends its hand in peace and prosperity to all of our neighbors and calls on them to normalize relations with Israel and join us in expelling Hamas and its supporters from the region," the statement read.

The appeal followed the United Nations Security Council's adoption of a resolution endorsing a Gaza peace plan attributed to President Donald Trump. Supporters say the plan would end the war and include deployment of an international stabilization force.

UN Ambassador Robert Waltz described Gaza as "a hell on earth" after two years of conflict and said the resolution offered a chance to replace "rubble where schools once stood" with "a path to peace." "Voting yes today isn’t just endorsing a plan," Waltz said. "It’s affirming our shared humanity. A vote against this resolution is a vote to return to war."

The measure was adopted by a 14–0 vote with two abstentions, including Russia.

Netanyahu's office welcomed the Security Council decision and said the plan's requirements for full demilitarization, disarmament and the deradicalization of Gaza would, in Israel's view, lead to "peace and prosperity." The statement also renewed Israel's demand for the return of remaining deceased hostages: Ron Gvili, Dror Or and Sudthisak Rinthalak.

Beyond security objectives, Israel said it hopes the plan will accelerate regional integration under the Abraham Accords — a series of normalization agreements advanced during the Trump administration. Countries that have already normalized relations with Israel include the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco.

"True to President Trump’s vision, this will lead to further integration of Israel and its neighbors as well as expansion of the Abraham Accords," Netanyahu’s office added. A senior U.S. administration official has also suggested that the post-conflict period could present an opportunity to broaden those accords and improve regional sentiment toward Israel.

Developments remain fluid as diplomats and leaders in the region respond to the Security Council resolution and Netanyahu's invitation; further diplomatic and security steps are expected to follow.