Israel’s defense minister orders comprehensive plan to defeat Hamas, signals readiness to return to fighting

Israel’s minister of the army, Israel Katz, instructed the chief of staff and the military leadership to prepare a comprehensive military plan aimed at creating a “deep change” in the security situation in the Gaza Strip and “defeating” Hamas if the latter refuses to comply with the proposed ceasefire plan.

Israeli media reports said the purpose of the order is to prepare the army for all possibilities and to reopen the broad military option if truces collapse or Hamas rejects conditions for disarmament.

In a related development, media outlets quoted U.S. President Donald Trump as saying he might allow Israel to resume military operations “as soon as I utter the word” if Hamas does not adhere to the ceasefire, stressing that freeing the hostages remains a top priority for the United States. He added that Washington is monitoring the disarmament issue and studying options should Hamas refuse to give up its weapons.

These moves come as international and regional talks continue over mechanisms to consolidate the calm, conditions for reconstruction and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, amid internal tension over the future of governance and security in the Strip. According to statements, the army’s preparations include multiple scenarios to deal with any relapse in the ceasefire agreement.