Netanyahu: Gaza Reconstruction Hinges on Hamas Disarmament, Israel to Maintain Security Control

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated Israel’s firm stance that the reconstruction of Gaza will not proceed until Hamas disarms and relinquishes its weapons, including compact arms like AK-47 rifles. He also affirmed Israel’s intention to maintain security control over both Gaza and the West Bank. These statements came during a press conference on January 27, 2026, following the return of the final slain hostage, Ran Gvili, to Israel.

60-Day Disarmament Window

According to Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs, Israel is prepared to grant Hamas a 60-day period to disarm, a timeframe initially requested by the Trump Administration. “We are respecting that,” Fuchs stated at the Besheva Group conference in Jerusalem on February 16, 2026. The exact start date of this period remains unclear, potentially beginning with the Board of Peace conference. During this time, Hamas is expected to surrender all weapons, including rifles.

Netanyahu emphasized that disarmament extends beyond major weaponry, specifically citing the AK-47 as a significant concern. “That’s what they used in the massacre of October 7,” he said, noting that Hamas possesses approximately 60,000 rifles in Gaza.

IDF Operations and Tunnel Destruction

Alongside the disarmament demand, Netanyahu highlighted the need to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure, including its network of tunnels. Fuchs noted the extensive damage already inflicted, stating, “There is barely a building left standing in the Gaza Strip, but the function is not yet completed.”

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue operations within Gaza. On Sunday, February 16, 2026, the IDF reported killing six Hamas operatives who had been operating from tunnels in the Rafah area. Dozens of Hamas operatives have been neutralized or captured in recent months while operating on the Israeli side of the ceasefire line. Two Hamas operatives were killed in the northern Gaza Strip after approaching IDF troops in a threatening manner.

US-Led Peace Plan and International Response

A draft plan developed by officials involved in the US-led Board of Peace, including US envoys Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Nickolay Mladenov, reportedly suggested allowing Hamas to retain some small arms initially, while surrendering weapons capable of striking Israel. However, Netanyahu has rejected this possibility, stating that reconstruction will not commence before complete demilitarization.

Future Outlook

Fuchs suggested that within the timeframe leading up to the next Israeli election – currently scheduled for October 2026, but potentially moved to June – either Hamas will have disarmed, or the IDF will be engaged in a large-scale military campaign in Gaza. The situation remains fluid, with Israel maintaining a firm commitment to its security objectives.