Israel will not move “one millimeter” from Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed, says Defense Minister Katz
The Global Journal | Tel Aviv, Israel | 15 February 2026
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel will not move “one millimeter” from the “Yellow Line” in Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed, despite the start of the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war.
The “Yellow Line” refers to the line where Israeli forces had retreated in eastern Gaza during the first phase. In the second phase of the plan, which began last month, Israel is expected to gradually withdraw from that line.
Katz said, “We will never allow Hamas to exist, neither with weapons nor with tunnels. The slogan is simple: until the last tunnel.” He further stated that Israel will not move even one millimeter from the Yellow Line until Hamas is disarmed of weapons, tunnels, and other resources.
On Monday, Israeli Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs said the government will give Hamas 60 days to disarm, warning that the war could resume if it fails to comply.
Israel launched its genocidal war in Gaza on 8 October 2023 with US support. Over the two-year conflict, more than 72,000 Palestinians were killed and around 171,000 injured, most of them women and children. Approximately 90% of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure was destroyed.
The war ended with a ceasefire agreement that took effect on 10 October 2025. However, Israel has continued airstrikes and demolitions in various areas, violating the agreement.
The disarmament of Hamas is part of the second phase of Trump’s plan, which came into effect in mid-January. This phase includes further Israeli withdrawals from Gaza, the start of reconstruction, the entry of additional humanitarian aid, and the establishment of an administrative committee to manage the territory.
Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Katz said Israel must increase domestic weapons production to defend itself independently. He noted that this is necessary due to global competition for ammunition and occasional disagreements with allies during wartime.
Katz described the United States as a “great ally” that supported Israel during what he called a “multi-front conflict,” while acknowledging that some disagreements had an impact.
He also stated that the Defense Ministry has decided to launch a long-term initiative, temporarily named “Shield of Israel,” which will add 350 billion shekels (about $95 billion) to the defense budget over the next decade.
Katz said the plan is based on “strong confidence in Israel’s economic strength.” He added, “There is no security without an economy, and no economy without security.”
