Gantz: Hamas Must Be Replaced, Gaza Strip Demilitarized Before Rebuilt

Most recently Benny Gantz Israel (Wikimedia Commons/IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

JAKARTA - Former Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz stressed that the Gaza Strip should not be rebuilt before its demilitation.

"The transition to the second stage of the hostage-taking agreement must include the replacement of the Hamas regime and the demilitarization of Gaza," Gantz said, as reported by The Times of Israel on February 4.

The chairman of the National Union emphasized that the replacement of Hamas and demilitarization was a must before reconstruction.

"Reconstruction efforts in Gaza must be conditioned on the replacement of the Hamas regime. Gaza will be demilitaryized or will remain destroyed. That must be a requirement for reconstruction, in coordination with the United States and the world," he stressed.

Gantz stressed that Israel must ensure Hamas cannot access humanitarian aid aimed at Gaza civilians.

"Even after the Hamas regime is replaced, it will remain the strongest military force in Gaza, we must not allow that to happen," Gantz said.

"After being replaced and its financial resources cut off, we have to hunt down every Hamas terrorist in every tunnel and last hiding place," he said.

He added that now is also the time to dismantle Iran's nuclear project.

"We must not miss this opportunity. Coordination with America is very important. We must continue to bring home our hostages, dissolve Hamas, weaken Iran and advance normalization with Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries, and all of this can happen in the next few months. That is the true meaning of victory," concluded Gantz.