The newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth revealed that the Israeli army is preparing to launch a new ground offensive on Gaza amid the absence of any indications that Hamas is disarming.
In a report published on Wednesday, September 16, it stated that the army's Southern Command is reinforcing its positions along the Yellow Line and continuing to carry out targeted strikes, claiming that Hamas is rebuilding its capabilities.
It noted that Israel is now exercising broader military control over parts of the Strip, but that this control imposes complex challenges.
The newspaper quoted Israeli officials as saying that unless the movement hands over its weapons voluntarily under the US-backed framework, the army may ultimately be ordered to impose this by force.
Israeli war minister Israel Katz said Wednesday: "Everyone understands that Hamas will not disarm and will not destroy all the tunnels, and the army is ready, if ordered to eliminate Hamas, to complete the mission so that we can implement the migration plan."
Yedioth noted that the Israeli army is maintaining a high operational tempo that includes carrying out targeted strikes and destroying weapons depots, and the Southern Command views these attacks as a means of pressure on Hamas to push toward an agreement that includes disarmament.
