IDF outlines Hamas disarmament path and Rafah border plan

Israel’s IDF outlined a phased plan to disarm Hamas and run the Rafah border crossing, arguing that simply storing heavy weapons would not slow Hamas and that capturing Kalashnikov rifles is essential. The ISF would not operate in Hamas areas, while a future Palestinian police force could shrink Hamas’ grip; Rafah checks would be conducted in stages with EUBAM handling main border checks and a second IDF check, and exiting Gazans would be photographed rather than physically searched. The IDF kept the option of a new operation if disarmament stalls and Trump blocks it, and suggested security could improve to a “lighter green” if the Palestinian police force succeeds.