Israeli Defense Minister Vows Continued Gaza Offensive Until Hamas Is Replaced

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Sunday that Israel is actively seeking a replacement for Hamas’ governance in Gaza, emphasizing that the war will continue until the group is completely dismantled. Speaking from the Southern Command in Beer Sheba, Gallant outlined a dual approach of military action coupled with efforts to establish an alternative government to ensure the region’s stability and the safety of Israeli hostages.

“In any process of ending the war, we will not accept Hamas rule. We are advancing an alternative government to Hamas, within the framework of which we will isolate areas, remove the Hamas members, and bring in other forces that will enable a different government,” Gallant said. “On one hand: military action. On the other, the ability to change the regime. [This] will lead to the achievement of two of the war’s goals: dismantling Hamas’ government and military power, and the return of the hostages.”

Gallant’s statement followed recent tensions within the Israeli government, exacerbated by a US-proposed cease-fire and hostage deal that has stirred opposition within Netanyahu’s coalition, with far-right parties within the coalition threatening to leave, thereby collapsing the government should Netanyahu agree to the cease-fire terms. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said that their focused actions in Rafah aim to dismantle Hamas” military capabilities, which it claims is crucial for its strategy to not only end the immediate threat but also to overhaul the governance structure in Gaza.

Additionally, the Defense Ministry reports that operations have led to the discovery and destruction of numerous Hamas weapon caches and operational bases, which Israel considers vital to reducing the effectiveness. However, the ongoing hostilities have resulted in a high number of civilian casualties and significant destruction in Gaza, raising international alarms alongside claims that the IDF’s operations are tantamount to genocide. Despite this, the Israeli government—including Gallant—remains steadfast in claiming that ending their operation without a comprehensive plan to neutralize Hamas permanently would only lead to further instability.