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A prominent Israeli minister has made a controversial statement regarding the fate of Gaza, asserting that Israel will only achieve victory when the region is completely destroyed and Palestinians are forced to seek refuge in other countries.
Israeli Finance Minister Bazalel Smotrich articulated these views during a conference focused on Jewish settlements in the West Bank on Tuesday. Although Smotrich holds a significant position within the Israeli government, it is important to note that his comments do not reflect the official stance of the Israeli administration.
In his remarks, Smotrich expressed confidence that Israel would soon be able to declare victory in Gaza, insisting, “Within a year we will be able to declare victory in Gaza.” He elaborated further, stating that “Gaza will be entirely destroyed, civilians will be sent to… the south to a humanitarian zone without Hamas or terrorism, and from there they will start to leave in great numbers to third countries,” as reported by Agence France-Presse.
Additionally, he emphasized the Israeli government’s unwillingness to withdraw from territories captured by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), stating, “Israel does not intend to withdraw from territories the IDF captures, not even as part of a deal to release hostages.”
The minister’s remarks followed an announcement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who revealed on Monday that his government has approved a plan to take control of Gaza for an indefinite duration. Netanyahu mentioned in a video message that the operation would be “intensive” and would require relocating more Palestinians to southern Gaza “for their own safety.”
Netanyahu’s government sanctioned this plan during a cabinet meeting on Monday, but the implementation depends on the outcome of hostage negotiations prior to a visit from former President Donald Trump scheduled for May 13.
Currently, Israel governs roughly half of Gaza. The newly approved plan aims to extend Israeli military operations into the southern part of the region. Officials indicated that the implementation would occur gradually, with the IDF focusing on dismantling Hamas’ control over significant areas.
Named Operation Gideon’s Chariots, this initiative also seeks to block the militant group Hamas from distributing humanitarian aid. Israeli officials argue that allowing aid into Gaza only serves to bolster Hamas’s strength and prolong its control over the enclave. Furthermore, they accuse Hamas of manipulating aid channels to enhance its operational capabilities.
Smotrich further articulated his strategic vision, stating, “We want our troops to fight against a tired, hungry, and exhausted enemy, not one that has supplies and aid coming from outside the strip.” He further emphasized the urgency of the operation and its implications for Israel’s military strategy against Hamas.
The Israeli cabinet’s approval of this plan signifies an escalation in the ongoing conflict and highlights the complexities surrounding humanitarian concerns amidst military objectives.
Calls for international intervention and scrutiny have resurfaced as these developments unfold. Human rights organizations have expressed alarm at the potential humanitarian crisis that such military operations may incite, arguing that indiscriminate destruction could exacerbate the suffering of innocent civilians trapped within Gaza.
As tensions escalate, the global community watches closely, with many nations urging diplomatic solutions rather than military escalations. The response from neighboring countries and international bodies remains cautious, as they assess the potential ramifications of such aggressive strategies proposed by Israeli officials.
The unfolding situation remains fluid, and further developments are anticipated as both military operations and diplomatic negotiations play out in the coming weeks.
Reporting from Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this news update.
