IDF chief to JD Vance: Hamas must disarm, free slain hostages for Gaza deal to progress
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir speaks to Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border, October 9, 2025 (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON
Eyal Zamir added that the return of the remains of the 13 hostages still held in Gaza “must be a prerequisite before moving to the next phase.”
The IDF considers the disarmament of Hamas a necessary condition for moving to the next stage of the US-brokered Gaza deal, Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gen. Eyal Zamir told US Vice President JD Vance on Thursday.
During the meeting, which included Defense Minister Israel Katz, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and several senior IDF officials, Zamir addressed the issue of the remains of 13 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza.
“Their return must be a prerequisite before moving to the next phase,” Zamir told Vance, highlighting in particular deceased hostage Hadar Goldin, whose remains have been in Gaza since 2014.
Several Israeli representatives stated that at least some of these remains could be returned immediately, “without any obstacles or excuses.”
Iran’s nuclear capabilities
Another major topic raised in the meeting was Iran, as recent satellite images show that Iran has been restoring its missile and nuclear sites.
“We must act together, just as we did in the past, to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities,” Zamir told Vance.
