Netanyahu: Israel Will Disarm Hamas After US Search Failed

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel will disarm Hamas in Gaza itself, because the United States could not find an international force willing to take on the task. He made the remarks in an interview with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News, five days before Israelis vote in the October 27 Knesset election.

Netanyahu described the exchange he had with Washington in blunt terms. "I told our American friends, 'You say you can find some international force that will come and disarm Hamas. Be my guest. Bring it,'" he said.

He offered Washington that opportunity after Israel had taken control of more than 60% of the Gaza Strip. Months of searching produced no such force, Netanyahu stated. "Therefore, that mission will fall to us," he said.

Netanyahu also discussed Iran in the interview. He said he has directed the Mossad and the IDF to bring down the regime in Tehran. "They're crippled. They're on their knees. But as long as this regime survives, it'll make its way back," he warned. He added that Iran "still have problems with weaponization."

He rejected a report that US President Donald Trump had recently prevented Israel from striking Iran. "It's an incorrect report. One day, the truth will come out," he said.

On the election, he said he was worried about losing power. "I'm concerned because we're almost in an even deadlock," he said. He also stated that he had never asked Trump for his endorsement and was "completely" surprised when it came.

Israeli forces have kept up strikes in Gaza in recent days. As JFeed reported on Monday, the IDF said it had eliminated a Hamas cell commander and two operatives in weekend airstrikes in northern Gaza. According to the IDF, the three had been working to restore Hamas's military capabilities in systematic violation of the ceasefire.

The terrorists eliminated in the strikes (Photo: IDF Spokesperson)

In a separate strike in Gaza City on Sunday, the IDF and the Shin Bet eliminated Nukhba terrorist Moussa Abd Mohammed Hamouda. Hamouda helped plan the September 8, 2025 roadside bombing that killed four tank crew soldiers from the 52nd Battalion.