IDF Chief of Staff Declares Hamas Defeated to Netanyahu and Katz

Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi stated during a closed-door meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz that Hamas has been "defeated" and "overcome." Kochavi made these remarks earlier this month during a security briefing for senior political officials while visiting the Gaza Division.

The assessment was presented during a discussion where head of Military Intelligence's research division, Brigadier General Ofir Mizrahi, outlined Hamas's current status. Mizrahi noted Hamas's desire to re-establish governance in its controlled territory, recruit personnel, and rebuild its capabilities, warning that the organization remains a threat.

Kochavi acknowledged Mizrahi's points regarding Hamas's intentions but countered, "I tell you, Prime Minister, Hamas is an overcome organization. It is not firing; we are eliminating its depots, we are eliminating its senior officials and those who carried out October 7th. It is not responding, therefore, we can say Hamas is defeated."

While Kochavi did not claim Hamas has been destroyed or disarmed, his assessment is based on the IDF's control of approximately 64% of the Gaza Strip, including its entry and exit points, which limits Hamas's ability to smuggle weapons and rearm. The Chief of Staff's analysis also considers the significant number of Hamas operatives and infrastructure destroyed by the IDF, as well as the organization's weakened diplomatic and political standing.

Despite these setbacks, Hamas continues to attempt to rebuild and reassert control in various areas, leveraging humanitarian aid to fund recruitment and maintain a presence. The organization reportedly still possesses some weaponry, though likely limited. The IDF has eliminated over 700 militants in Gaza since October, but armed operatives continue to challenge Israeli forces.