New Delhi, Nov. 17 -- Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed back, insisting Israel would ensure Hamas is stripped of its weapons regardless of any change in Washington's position.

Reports in Israeli media suggested the United States is considering removing the requirement for Hamas to disarm from President Donald Trump's 20-point Middle East peace plan. According to the Times of Israel, the White House has found it difficult to secure international commitments for peacekeeping troops who would enforce Gaza's demilitarization.

"In the 20-point plan, and in any other case, this area will be demilitarized and Hamas will be disarmed - either the easy way or the hard way," Netanyahu said during his weekly cabinet meeting.

"That is...