An agreement announced by U.S. President Donald Trump for Hamas to surrender its weaponry in Gaza is facing significant political hurdles within Israel, primarily due to stipulations that include an Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian territory and a gradual transfer of power. The terms, which Hamas has reportedly accepted, also involve handing over governance to a Palestinian administration.

This development comes amidst a deeply entrenched and often brutal conflict between Israel and Palestinian factions. The October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel, originating from Gaza, has intensified hardline sentiments among many Israelis. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza that has resulted in a high Palestinian death toll and widespread destruction.

Despite the announcement of diplomatic progress, a senior Israeli official indicated on Friday that Israel would not withdraw from its current positions in Gaza until it deemed Hamas to be genuinely disarmed. This suggests a significant divergence between the U.S.-brokered agreement and Israel's stated conditions for de-escalation.

The potential implications of this deal are substantial, potentially reshaping the future governance and security landscape of Gaza. However, the internal political opposition within Israel, particularly from far-right elements, casts doubt on the agreement's viability and raises questions about the path forward.

Public opinion polls in Israel reveal a strong sentiment among Jewish Israelis favoring hardline approaches. A May poll indicated that a large majority supported the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza, and a significant portion also supported the expulsion of Palestinian citizens of Israel from their homes. Another poll found that a majority believed there were no innocent civilians in Gaza.

These sentiments are reflected in the political sphere. Israeli politicians, including government ministers, have expressed opposition to the disarmament agreement. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir publicly denounced the deal, calling it "unacceptable." He argued that any agreement to halt targeted killings of Hamas leaders would be equivalent to agreeing to future attacks and advocated for continued assassinations and the "encouragement of emigration" from Gaza.

The prospect of Israeli withdrawal and Gaza's reconstruction is unpalatable to many Israelis who advocate for continued Israeli control and settlement presence, similar to the occupied West Bank. The political climate suggests that any move towards disengagement and Palestinian self-governance will face fierce resistance.

Unresolved questions remain regarding the specific timeline for disarmament, the nature of the Palestinian administration that would assume power, and the extent to which Israel will adhere to the agreement's terms, especially in light of domestic political pressure and public sentiment.