JERUSALEM, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed Wednesday to dismantle Hamas if it refuses to disarm, threatening renewed military action in Gaza.
"After we complete the goal of returning all our hostages, we are determined to complete the disarmament of Hamas and the full demilitarization of Gaza," Katz said at a handover ceremony for the coordinator of government activities in the territories.
"If Hamas does not disarm under the agreed framework, we will dismantle it and all of its capabilities," Katz added.
The comments came a day after U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff visited Israel for talks on advancing the second phase of the ceasefire, which is expected to include Gaza's reconstruction.
Israel has said it will not allow reconstruction in Gaza without its demilitarization, while Hamas has rejected calls to disarm. ■
