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Source: https://jcpa.org/what-are-the-chances-that-hamas-will-agree-to-disarm/
What Are the Chances that Hamas Will Agree to Disarm?
(Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs) Yoni Ben Menachem - Senior Israeli security sources in Jerusalem doubt Washington's ability to enforce the disarmament clause of the American peace plan, despite President Trump's repeated declarations. They draw parallels to the American failure to disarm Hizbullah in Lebanon. Eight months have passed since the ceasefire agreement was reached there. According to senior Israeli defense officials, the likelihood of Hamas being disarmed is extremely low. In Gaza, no force is capable of stripping Hamas of its weapons. Security officials believe Hamas will seek to evade the disarmament demand, counting on prolonged negotiations and attempts to buy time. With assistance from Qatar and Turkey in dealing with Trump, it is expected that Hamas will find ways to stretch out the disarmament process, creating the appearance of compliance while maintaining its standing in Palestinian society. Once Trump's term ends, the group will likely resume open military rearmament. A senior Israeli security official concluded: "Only the IDF can truly disarm Hamas in Gaza and Hizbullah in Lebanon." The writer, a veteran Arab affairs and diplomatic commentator for Israel Radio and Television, is a senior Middle East analyst for the Jerusalem Center.