JERUSALEM – Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned Monday that Hamas could receive a deadline within days to disarm and demilitarise Gaza, paving the way for an Israeli military operation with U.S. backing if the group refuses.
“We estimate that in the coming days, Hamas will be given an ultimatum to disarm and completely demilitarise Gaza,” Smotrich told public broadcaster Kan. The security Cabinet member, who helps approve major operations, added: “If it does not comply, the IDF will have international legitimacy and American backing to do it itself. The IDF is already preparing plans.
“The comments come amid a fragile U.S.-sponsored ceasefire that ended two years of Israel-Hamas fighting. Phase one saw Israeli forces pull back to a “yellow line,” retaining control of over half of Gaza. Phase two, launched in January, envisions gradual IDF withdrawal alongside Hamas disarmament – a step the Islamist group has rejected outright.
“The military will definitely enter and occupy Gaza if Hamas does not disband,” Smotrich insisted, outlining “two or three alternatives” under review.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan includes a 20,000-strong International Stabilization Force (ISF) with troops pledged from several nations. Smotrich dismissed concerns over coordination, saying the ISF would “pull out very quickly and allow the IDF to enter. This is coordinated with the Americans.” He noted, however, that he doesn’t yet see the foreign force deploying that swiftly.