Netanyahu warns: If Hamas refuses to disarm, there will be chaos
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview with CBS that the ceasefire’s second phase has begun, stressing that Hamas’s disarmament is Israel’s “red line.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the ongoing ceasefire process in Gaza during an exclusive interview with CBS News. Saying that “peace deserves a chance,” Netanyahu confirmed that the first phase of the ceasefire had been completed and that Israel was now entering the second phase. He warned that the continuation of peace efforts depends entirely on Hamas laying down its arms.
Netanyahu: There must be no weapons or factories in Gaza
Netanyahu outlined three key conditions for lasting peace: “First, Hamas must surrender all its weapons. Second, there must be no weapon factories in Gaza. Third, arms smuggling into the area must be completely stopped. That is what disarmament means.”
He added that Israel would not allow any organization to threaten its national security again.
“If they resist, chaos will follow”
Referring to U.S. President Donald Trump’s earlier remarks, Netanyahu warned that Hamas’s refusal to disarm could spark catastrophic consequences. “If Hamas keeps its weapons, there will be chaos. But I still hope that won’t happen. We are ready for peace,” he said.
Netanyahu described lasting peace as “the greatest gift that could be given to the people of Israel, to the region, and to the world.”
“Freedom is not permanent unless protected”
When asked what it would take to officially declare the war over, Netanyahu underlined the importance of maintaining self-defense capabilities:
“Freedom is neither permanent nor automatic. If free societies fail to defend themselves, they are overtaken by authoritarian regimes. Israel’s security is the security of the free world.”
“My duty is to protect the Jewish state”
Asked about Trump’s previous remark describing him as “not an easy man,” Netanyahu responded firmly:
“I assume he says that because I’m tough when it comes to my country’s future. When I believe something is right, I say yes. When I believe it’s wrong, I say no. That’s my job — to protect the Jewish state and ensure the future of the Jewish people.”
