Defense Minister Israel Katz on Sunday directed the Israel Defense Forces to maintain intensified operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, aiming to decisively defeat the Palestinian terrorist organization.
“On the eve of Shavuot, the IDF is operating in Gaza with great force, crushing the enemy and clearing a path for maneuvering troops,” Katz said.
He added that he had instructed the military to press ahead with its campaign “against all targets, regardless of any negotiations,” and to use “every means necessary—air, land and sea—to protect IDF soldiers and eliminate Hamas murderers.
“Those who massacred and fought against us will pay the full price,” Katz continued. “As I’ve stated before: Either Hamas releases the hostages, or it will be destroyed.”
The warning came after U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff confirmed on Saturday night that Hamas had effectively rejected the latest American ceasefire proposal.
“I received the Hamas response to the United States’ proposal. It is totally unacceptable and only takes us backward,” said Witkoff.
Religious Zionism Party Knesset member Simcha Rothman told JNS on Sunday that engaging in negotiations with Hamas was a mistake from the outset.
“What we’re seeing now is just further proof of that. We should follow President Trump’s advice: Open the gates of hell on them and continue until every objective of the war is achieved—the hostages are home, and Hamas is destroyed.
“This is the path forward,” Rothman said. “It’s exactly what President Trump called for, and it’s absolutely the right thing to do.”
Despite opposition from within his coalition, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had accepted the U.S.-proposed framework, placing full responsibility for the impasse on Hamas.
The terrorist group “persists in its refusal,” he said, adding, “Israel will continue its efforts to return our hostages and defeat Hamas.”
On Monday, the IDF announced that it is intensifying operations across the Gaza Strip as part of the ongoing military campaign, codenamed “Gideon’s Chariots.” The operation includes targeting and killing terrorist operatives, as well as dismantling weapons stockpiles and “military” infrastructure above and below ground.
In tandem with IDF ground activity, the Israeli Air Force carried out strikes on dozens of targets throughout the coastal enclave, including terrorist cells and tunnel networks used for smuggling and movement.
MK Ariel Kallner, of Netanyahu’s ruling Likud Party, told JNS that Hamas has repeatedly demonstrated it is solely interested in Israel’s destruction.
“Our priority is to ensure the security of our citizens, and we will take whatever action is necessary to restore stability and to make sure there will never be another October 7,” Kallner said. “The message to anyone who thinks it would be beneficial to attack Israel or kidnap our citizens is: They will regret the moment they even considered such actions.”