Hamas disarming as equal as ‘Israel’ winning World Cup, says ‘Israeli’ minister

• ‘Israeli’ Minister Avi Dichter doubted Hamas would ever voluntarily disarm, likening the possibility to ‘Israel’ winning the World Cup
• Dichter, the former Shin Bet head, vowed the war would not end until the bodies of the seven remaining captives were returned, accusing Hamas of stalling tactics.

‘Israeli’ Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter, who was also former head of the Shin Bet intelligence agency, has cast doubt on the prospects of Hamas voluntarily disarming, likening it to the improbable scenario of ‘Israel’ winning the FIFA World Cup.

Speaking at a conference hosted by the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, Dichter emphasized that the ongoing assault on Gaza is far from over, framing any ceasefire as a mere tactical pause.

Dichter, 72, served in the Shin Bet for nearly 50 years and previously as ‘Israel's’ public security minister.

His remarks come amid fragile US-brokered ceasefire talks, where the second phase requires Hamas to relinquish its weapons; a step Dichter deems unrealistic.

"The possibility that Hamas will put aside its weapons is the same possibility that Israel will win the [World Cup]," he quipped, underscoring that arms are the "raison d’être" of the group.

Without weapons, Dichter argued, "there is no Hamas," predicting that any disarmament would necessitate military force rather than voluntary compliance.

He accused Hamas of stalling tactics, including delays in returning the bodies of seven captives – five ‘Israelis’ and two foreigners – still held since October 7, 2023.

"The war won’t be ended until all seven remaining bodies are brought back," he declared, vowing ‘Israel’ would not play into the group's "games."

"Disarming" Hamas 

The minister's comments highlight broader skepticism toward rebuilding Gaza without fully dismantling Hamas, rejecting ideas of transferring control to the Palestinian Authority as akin to "giving the milk to the cat."

Dichter noted that Hamas is drawing lessons from Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has similarly resisted disarmament despite international pressures. He suggested the group is buying time until a potential shift in US leadership.

Amid reports of possible ‘Israel’-Syria security deals under incoming US President Trump, Dichter questioned Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's reliability.

Dichter concluded by claiming ‘Israel’ has restored deterrence post-October 7, stating, "Today our deterrence is much more than it was on Oct. 6.