Netanyahu vows to disarm Hamas, says Israel will act independently to ensure security

Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Nov 2: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday reaffirmed his commitment to disarming Hamas and demilitarising the Gaza Strip, declaring that Israel will continue to target remaining militant factions despite last month’s ceasefire.

“Some Hamas cells remain active in parts of Gaza under our control, and we are systematically eliminating them,” Netanyahu told his Cabinet, referring to ongoing operations in Rafah and Khan Younis in southern Gaza, according to reports.

He described disarmament and demilitarisation as central objectives agreed upon with US President Donald Trump, emphasizing, “If it cannot be achieved one way, it will be achieved another.” Netanyahu added that Israeli forces would continue acting to protect troops stationed in Gaza and that Israel would coordinate with the US but not seek approval for its operations. “We will not compromise on our supreme security responsibility,” he asserted.

His comments came as Washington works to maintain the fragile ceasefire and push for additional hostage releases, even as Israeli strikes — though reduced — have persisted.

According to Gaza health officials, at least 236 Palestinians have been killed and 600 wounded since the truce began over three weeks ago, bringing the overall death toll since October 7, 2023, to 68,865.

Netanyahu also urged Lebanon’s government to uphold its commitment to restrain Hezbollah, accusing the group of rebuilding its arsenal. “Israel will act in self-defence if necessary,” he warned.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz demanded the removal of Hezbollah forces from southern Lebanon, saying, “Maximum enforcement will continue and intensify — we will not allow any threat to residents of the north.”

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it killed four members of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force on Saturday, the latest in a series of cross-border strikes that have continued despite the ceasefire agreement reached last November.