Jakarta, ThedailyID — Israel is reportedly preparing for a new ground operation in the Gaza Strip as negotiations over Hamas’ disarmament remain unresolved.
The report came from Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. According to the report, Israel’s Southern Command has strengthened its positions along the Yellow Line and continued targeted strikes in Gaza.
Israeli military officials reportedly believe Hamas is attempting to rebuild its military capabilities. At the same time, Israel has expanded its military control over parts of the Gaza Strip.
However, maintaining control over those areas presents operational challenges for the Israeli military. The report said Israeli forces could receive orders to disarm Hamas by force if the group does not surrender its weapons voluntarily under a US-backed framework.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has expressed doubt that Hamas will accept the demand. He said the Israeli military was prepared to act if ordered.
“Everyone understands that Hamas will not disarm and will not destroy all the tunnels. The army is ready, if ordered to eliminate Hamas, to complete the mission so that we can implement the migration plan,” Katz said, as reported by Middle East Monitor on September 16.
Katz has also said Israel could resume full-scale military operations in Gaza. On September 16, he said it was only a matter of time before Israel resumed the war and sought the departure of Palestinians from Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces have continued strikes in Gaza despite the ceasefire framework. Reuters reported that Israeli strikes on September 15 killed at least five Palestinians, including two children, according to Palestinian health officials and Hamas sources. The Israeli military said it had targeted a Hamas commander.
The issue of Hamas disarmament remains central to the US-backed framework for Gaza. Earlier agreements outlined a phased disarmament process alongside an Israeli military withdrawal and international oversight.
The US has maintained its support for Hamas disarmament. A source close to the Board of Peace said on September 17 that Washington remained committed to the plan, despite Katz’s assessment that Hamas would not voluntarily disarm.
For now, the reported preparations do not amount to a confirmed announcement of a new ground offensive. The reports instead indicate that Israeli military planning is being conducted amid continuing disputes over Hamas’ weapons, tunnels and the future security arrangements in Gaza.
