RAFAH (VINnews) — Israel’s military chief said Thursday that the Israel Defense Forces will not relinquish the war aim of fully demilitarizing the Gaza Strip and disarming Hamas, while confirming that detailed offensive plans are prepared and ready for implementation if ordered by the government.

Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir made the remarks during a visit to the Rafah area in southern Gaza, according to statements published by the IDF.

“During the war, we achieved an unprecedented accomplishment; all of Hamas’s frontline battalions were destroyed. Hamas was militarily defeated, and all the hostages returned home,” Zamir said.

He added that the IDF is now deployed along a security border known as the Yellow Line, controls access points into the Strip and is systematically clearing terror infrastructure from the area.

“The IDF is prepared to shift from defense to offense,” Zamir stated, vowing a response to any violation. “We are not giving up on the war’s objective, the full demilitarization of the Gaza Strip and the disarmament of Hamas.”

Zamir emphasized that the military is operating under directives from Israel’s political leadership but maintains “decisive military plans” and stands ready to act offensively as needed.

His comments come after The Times of Israel reported this week that the IDF has drawn up plans for a renewed offensive in Gaza specifically aimed at disarming Hamas by force, amid concerns the terror group will not voluntarily relinquish its weapons under the current ceasefire framework.

“There is no immunity for terror. What applies to Gaza also applies to the other arenas. We will continue to remain focused and cut down threats, with determination and offensiveness,” Zamir added.

The statements reflect ongoing Israeli insistence on Hamas’s disarmament as a condition for any long-term resolution in Gaza, even as the enclave remains under a fragile ceasefire brokered earlier. The Yellow Line serves as a de facto security boundary, with IDF forces positioned to prevent Hamas from rebuilding military capabilities.