Trump’s “Very Short Time” for Hamas Demilitarization or “Hell to Pay,” Netanyahu Warns

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan hinges on Hamas disarming as an unequivocal prerequisite for its implementation.

During a recent encounter at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, the president reportedly asserted that Hamas would be granted only a “very short period of time” to demilitarize or face severe consequences. Netanyahu emphasized this position has been consistent, noting the deepening ties between Israel and the United States following their interactions.

The prime minister recounted Trump’s comment on fireworks during their discussion: “He asked me, ‘Do you like fireworks?’ I told him: ‘It’s preferable to other things that explode in the sky, but with that too we have learned to deal very well.’” Netanyahu stressed that progress toward stabilizing Gaza depends entirely on Hamas’ willingness to disarm—whether through international assistance or alternative methods.

According to Netanyahu, Hamas currently maintains approximately 20,000 operatives and 60,000 rifles, with extensive terror infrastructure including hundreds of kilometers of underground tunnels. He reiterated that disarming the group requires dismantling these networks to prevent attacks on Israeli communities.

Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal recently rejected international demands for disarmament, stating: “The resistance and its weapons are the honor and pride of the ummah [the Islamic nation]. A thousand statements are not worth a single projectile of iron.”

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces conducted a targeted strike on a Hamas tunnel shaft in northern Gaza that housed an armed rocket launcher capable of striking Sderot. The military described the operation as a response to Hamas’ ongoing violations of ceasefire agreements.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry reported that Hamas continues daily breaches of the truce by refusing to return the remains of Israel Police Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, the last surviving hostage from the October 7 attacks. Despite obligations under the ceasefire pact, Hamas has delayed the release of the body.