The IDF is reportedly preparing a fresh offensive in Gaza to disarm Hamas in case the terror group refuses to do so voluntarily.
Hostilities in the Strip have been suspended since a US-backed ceasefire came into effect in October, although according to the IDF, Hamas terrorists have repeatedly crossed the ceasefire line and attacked Israeli troops since then, prompting the military to return fire.
Under the Trump 20-point plan, which is now in its second phase, Hamas is supposed to give up its armaments in order to enter into negotiations over a lasting peace settlement.
However, the group's leadership has been clear that they intend to do no such thing, with political bureau co-chair Khaled Mashall telling Al Jazeera in December that "disarmament for a Palestinian means stripping away his very soul".
This refusal has frustrated Jerusalem, especially when the US allowed the ceasefire to progress without guarantees of disarmament or, at that point, the return of all the hostages.
Now, though, military leaders are drawing up a plan to disarm the group by force, according to the Times of Israel.
Per the report, the Southern Command has developed outlines for "a series of potential operations in the Strip", pending approval from the political leadership.
Top brass are reportedly preparing a "large-scale op" as they see it as "unlikely" that Hamas will choose to give up its weapons.
Such measures have previously been hinted at publicly by Defence Minister Israel Katz, who earlier this year said: "After we have completed the objective of bringing back all of our hostages [the IDF has since recovered the body of Ran Gvili], we are determined to complete the disarmament of Hamas and the full demilitarisation of Gaza.
"If Hamas does not disarm in accordance with the agreed framework, we will dismantle it and all of its capabilities."
The IDF declined the JC's request for comment.
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