IDF chief: ‘We’re ready to retake control of Gaza again’

The IDF says it is ready for a rapid transition back to large-scale operations.

By World Israel News Staff

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said Sunday that the Israeli military is prepared to rapidly resume high-intensity operations in the Gaza Strip if needed, amid warnings that Hamas is reasserting control in the enclave and refusing to disarm in violation of the Trump-brokered ceasefire agreement signed in October.

Zamir delivered the remarks during an operational assessment and tour of IDF forces stationed inside Gaza. According to a summary of his speech released by the military, Zamir emphasized that the IDF is operating “in a changing reality” and is “contending with challenges across various arenas,” requiring readiness for a significant escalation at any time.

“We must be prepared for a rapid transition to a large-scale activity to establish operational control of areas in the Gaza Strip, if required,” Zamir said.

He pledged that the military would continue “eliminating terrorists and dismantling underground terrorist infrastructure sites” to ensure Israel’s security.

Acknowledging the clause of the ceasefire limiting the presence of Israeli forces in most urban areas, Zamir said troops will continue to operate “along the Yellow Line to clear the area and eliminate terrorist strongholds.”

Concerns over the stability of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire have increased in recent weeks as Hamas resists calls to surrender its weapons and relinquish governance of Gaza to a new authority.

Israeli intelligence assessments indicate that Hamas maintains de facto control over the Strip, continues to recruit new terrorists and has been stockpiling weapons for potential future conflicts against Israel.

Officials warn that these developments could necessitate the IDF returning to more expansive combat operations to prevent Hamas from rebuilding its military infrastructure and cementing its rule.

Recent reports indicate that the Trump administration may drop its demand that Hamas disarm in order to proceed to the next phase of the ceasefire, which would enable reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Strip.