According to a report by The Times Of Israel on February 4, 2026, Defense Minister Israel Katz says Israel is “determined” to disarm the Hamas terror group, warning that it will move to “dismantle” the organization if it refuses to lay down its weapons under an agreed framework.
Speaking at a handover ceremony for the head of COGAT, the Defense Ministry body responsible for coordination with Palestinians, Katz outlined what he described as Israel’s next phase of objectives following the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He linked future security steps directly to the fate of Israeli hostages and to long-term changes in Gaza’s military status.
“After we have completed the objective of bringing back all of our hostages, we are determined to complete the disarmament of Hamas and the full demilitarization of Gaza,” Katz says at the event.
Katz also issued a clear warning to Hamas leadership, emphasizing that Israel would not accept a situation in which the group retains weapons or military capabilities after any agreement. “If Hamas does not disarm in accordance with the agreed framework, we will dismantle it and all of its capabilities,” he warns.
The statements come amid continued fighting, international diplomatic efforts, and discussions over possible arrangements for Gaza’s future governance and security. Israeli officials have repeatedly said they seek a different security reality in Gaza, one in which militant groups no longer have the ability to launch attacks on Israel. See_More…