“The time is approaching, and the IDF is prepared to carry out the mission,” Katz warned.
By United with Israel Staff
Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Monday that the IDF is prepared to dismantle Hamas and demilitarize the Gaza Strip by force if the terror group fails to fulfill the terms of the U.S.-brokered agreement.
Katz issued the warning after Israeli forces eliminated Hamas terrorists in Gaza overnight, as the IDF continues targeting operatives it says are attempting to rebuild the terror group’s capabilities and advance attacks against Israel.
“I commend the IDF and Shin Bet for eliminating Hamas terrorists in Gaza overnight, as part of the ongoing operations against anyone attempting to advance terrorist activity against Israel,” Katz said.
The defense minister said Israel remains committed to the complete disarmament of Hamas and the removal of the terror infrastructure it has built throughout the Gaza Strip.
“We will continue to act with force until Hamas is dismantled and Gaza is demilitarized of weapons and tunnels, in accordance with the U.S.-brokered hostage-release agreement, or through direct action by the IDF itself,” Katz said.
“The time is approaching, and the IDF is prepared to carry out the mission.”
Katz’s remarks signal that Israel is prepared to take military action itself if Hamas does not disarm under the terms of the agreement, with the defense minister specifically pointing to the terror group’s weapons and extensive tunnel network.
He also reiterated that Israel’s campaign against those responsible for the Oct. 7 massacre will continue both inside and outside the Gaza Strip.
“In accordance with the directive that the prime minister and I gave the IDF, we must continue eliminating everyone who took part in the crimes of October 7, whether in Gaza or abroad,” Katz said.
“They will all be held accountable, and none of them will have immunity anywhere.”
Israel has repeatedly maintained that the war cannot end with Hamas retaining its military capabilities in Gaza, with the group’s disarmament and the demilitarization of the Strip remaining central Israeli demands.
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