Netanyahu Demands Hamas Surrender—Or Full Invasion

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warns that the IDF will occupy all of Gaza unless Hamas fully disarms, backing Israel’s security with firm American support under President Trump.

Story Highlights

Smotrich issues ultimatum to Hamas within days to surrender weapons, or face full military occupation of Gaza.
IDF prepares contingency plans with international legitimacy and U.S. backing, coordinated for rapid action.
Hamas firmly rejects disarmament despite ceasefire agreement, risking collapse of U.S.-backed peace plan.
Technocratic committee readies detailed six-month disarmament plan for March, demanding full weapon handover.
Reconstruction and international peacekeeping force deployment hinge on verified Hamas compliance.

Smotrich Delivers Ultimatum

On February 23, 2026, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared the IDF will occupy all of Gaza if Hamas refuses to disarm. He announced an ultimatum to Hamas within days, requiring full demilitarization. Smotrich stressed the military holds international legitimacy and American support to act independently. The IDF already strategizes two or three enforcement alternatives. This stance prioritizes Israeli security, echoing conservative values of strong defense against terrorist threats that endanger allies.

Ceasefire Framework at Risk

The U.S.-proposed Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict advanced through its second phase in February 2026, following first-phase hostage resolutions and Rafah crossing reopenings. Phase two mandates Hamas disarmament, IDF withdrawal, and International Stabilization Force deployment. Netanyahu insists no reconstruction starts without Hamas weapons surrender. Gaza’s Technocratic Committee prepares a March plan for heavy weapons first, then light arms to policing forces. Failure invites renewed war, but Israel gains broad global backing this time.

Ceasefire violations persist, with Gaza reporting 615 deaths by Israeli forces since implementation, while IDF notes five soldier losses. The IDF controls 50 percent of Gaza beyond the yellow line withdrawal boundary. Ongoing operations include actions in Beit Lah, tank fire in Khanis, and elimination of a fighter crossing into Israeli territory. These incidents underscore Hamas non-compliance pressures, testing the plan’s viability for lasting peace.

Stakeholders and Power Dynamics

Key players include Smotrich and Netanyahu demanding disarmament, IDF ready for occupation, and Hamas rejecting terms despite signing the 20-point plan. The U.S. administration mediates with diplomatic and military support, aligning with Trump’s firm stance against terrorism. Arab and Muslim states back disarmament via the plan, alongside the Board of Peace and Palestinian Authority eyeing future governance. Israel maintains military superiority, controlling territory while international pressure mounts on Hamas.

Hamas faces internal strain, understanding non-compliance violates the ceasefire. Sources confirm the plan demands tunnel maps, heavy weapons handover, and one weapon-one law principle under technocratic rule. ISF troops withdraw rapidly if needed, per U.S. coordination. This setup protects American interests by neutralizing terror threats, preventing globalist failures that once empowered militants.

Implications for Stability

Short-term, the ultimatum pressures Hamas strategically amid violations, delaying reconstruction and aid for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. Long-term, success enables technocratic government and Palestinian Authority control, paving toward statehood. Failure risks regional war, but bolsters Israel’s position with unified international support. U.S. backing under Trump ensures accountability, countering past weak policies that prolonged conflicts and eroded security for allies.