WASHINGTON — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told U.S. President Donald Trump that Hamas is believed to be holding roughly 60,000 Kalashnikov rifles in the Gaza Strip and said that removing those weapons must precede any effort to rehabilitate the enclave, according to Israel’s Channel 13.
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Netanyahu presented the assessment during a meeting with Trump, conveying what Israeli officials described as a clear message: without collecting weapons from Gaza, there is no basis to move forward with civilian reconstruction. The figure was compiled ahead of the meeting by Israel Defense Forces intelligence and the Shin Bet, Channel 13 reported.
The Israeli leader also warned Trump against any future Turkey presence on the ground in Gaza, saying Israel would not be able to accept Turkish influence in the territory. The warning reflects concern in Jerusalem that Ankara could seek a role in Gaza amid broader discussions about postwar arrangements.
Israeli officials said Netanyahu’s comments underscored Israel’s longstanding position that security measures — including the disarmament of militant groups — are a prerequisite for any broader political or reconstruction steps in Gaza.