Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered military leaders to prepare a comprehensive plan for the full defeat of Hamas in Gaza if the remaining hostages are not released by Jan. 20, coinciding with the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Katz stressed that the plan should be finalized quickly to avoid a prolonged conflict while hostages remain in captivity under dire conditions.

Katz instructed the military to address possible obstacles, including humanitarian issues, but left the resolution of such matters to the political leadership. He emphasized that the release of hostages has been a top priority for Israel’s defense establishment since the onset of the crisis, declaring that every effort must be made to ensure their safe return.

The announcement is seen as a strategic move to increase pressure on Hamas amid ongoing negotiations, following Trump’s recent warning of severe repercussions if the hostages are not released by his inauguration. The defense minister also separated the plan to defeat Hamas from discussions about Gaza’s long-term governance, asserting that resolving Gaza’s political future is irrelevant to the immediate need to eliminate Hamas as a threat.

The urgency of Katz’s directive has been amplified by recent developments. This week, Israeli soldiers recovered the bodies of Yousef and Hamza Ziyadne, a father and son abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, while working at a kibbutz near the Gaza border. Their remains were found in a tunnel in Rafah, bringing the total number of hostages recovered from Gaza to 40. Israeli authorities have concluded that 34 of the remaining hostages in Gaza are deceased, adding to the gravity of the situation.

As the crisis unfolds, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resisted international pressure to allow the Palestinian Authority to take a role in Gaza’s governance after the conflict. Netanyahu’s stance underscores the broader challenges Israel faces in determining Gaza’s future while ensuring security and addressing humanitarian needs.

The military’s preparations and the political leadership’s decisions are unfolding under the shadow of escalating tensions, as Israel and its allies remain determined to secure the release of hostages and address the persistent threat posed by Hamas.