OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Monday that Hamas could soon face a firm deadline to disarm and fully demilitarise Gaza.
In an interview with Israel’s public broadcaster Kan, Smotrich said Israeli authorities believe Hamas may be issued an ultimatum in the coming days. If the group refuses to lay down its weapons, he warned, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would have international legitimacy and backing from the United States to take military action. He added that the army is already preparing operational plans.
Under the first phase of a US-brokered ceasefire that ended two years of fighting, Israeli forces pulled back to positions behind the so-called Yellow Line but continue to control more than half of Gaza. The second phase of the agreement envisions a gradual Israeli withdrawal and the disarmament of Hamas.
Smotrich said Israel would re-enter and occupy Gaza if Hamas refuses to dissolve. He noted that military planners are currently considering several options.
A US proposal also includes forming a 20,000-strong International Stabilisation Force. Smotrich suggested that any foreign troops deployed would quickly step aside to allow Israeli forces to operate, in coordination with Washington.
