Israel Demands Hamas Disarmament for Gaza Withdrawal, Cites Trump Plan
Israel has set the complete disarmament of Hamas as a prerequisite for the withdrawal of its troops from the Gaza Strip, a condition linked to the ceasefire plan based on the proposal put forth by United States President Donald Trump. This confirmation came from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on February 18, 2026, as the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire commenced.
Ceasefire Phase Two: Disarmament and Withdrawal
The second phase of the ceasefire hinges on Hamas disarming and Israel subsequently withdrawing its forces from the Gaza Strip. Katz stated unequivocally, “We will never allow Hamas to remain, whether with weapons or tunnels. The slogan is simple: until the last tunnel.” [Source: The Times of Israel]
Katz emphasized that Israeli forces will not retreat “one millimeter from the Yellow Line” until Hamas is fully disarmed – of its weapons, tunnels, and all other military infrastructure. The “Yellow Line” refers to the demarcation line along which Israeli forces retreated during the initial phase of the ceasefire.
60-Day Disarmament Deadline
Yossi Fuchs, Israel’s Cabinet Secretary, announced on February 16, 2026, that the Israeli government would grant Hamas a 60-day period to disarm. Fuchs warned that failure to comply would result in the continuation of the war. [Source: NBC News]
Ceasefire and Ongoing Violations
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which took effect on October 10, 2025, brought an end to most of the fighting in the Gaza Strip. Though, Israel has continued to conduct airstrikes and operations within the Palestinian enclave, repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement.
Broader Ceasefire Terms
The disarmament of Hamas is a central component of the second phase of the ceasefire, which also includes the further withdrawal of Israeli troops, the commencement of Gaza reconstruction efforts, increased humanitarian aid deliveries, and the establishment of an administrative committee to govern the territory.
Expanding Domestic Arms Production
Katz also advocated for Israel to expand its domestic weapons production capabilities to ensure its self-reliance in defense. He cited global competition for munitions and disagreements with wartime allies as justification for this initiative. Although acknowledging the United States as a “great ally,” Katz noted existing disputes that “have an impact.”
“Israel Shield” Initiative
The Ministry of Defense has launched a long-term initiative, tentatively named “Israel Shield,” which will allocate 350 billion Shekels to the defense budget over the next decade. Katz stated that this plan is rooted in “a strong belief in the power of the economy,” emphasizing the interconnectedness of security and economic strength. [Source: Israel Hayom]