Israeli minister says Gaza must be ‘entirely destroyed’

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently made a controversial statement at a conference on Jewish settlements in the West Bank, where he expressed his belief that victory for Israel will only come once Gaza is “entirely destroyed” and Palestinians are forced out into other countries. Smotrich, a right-wing Israeli minister, claimed that within a year, Gaza will be completely decimated, and civilians will be relocated to a humanitarian zone in the south without the presence of Hamas or terrorism. From there, they will be encouraged to leave for third countries.

Despite Smotrich’s senior position in the Israeli government, it’s important to note that his remarks do not reflect the official policy of the Israeli government. However, his comments come on the heels of a plan approved by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to take over Gaza and hold it indefinitely. Netanyahu described the operation as “intensive” and stated that more Palestinians would be moved to southern Gaza for their safety.

The plan, dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariots, aims to gradually expand Israeli control in Gaza, particularly in the south, in order to root out Hamas influence in the region. It also seeks to prevent Hamas from distributing humanitarian aid, which Israel alleges is used to strengthen the militant group’s rule and capabilities. Additionally, the plan includes targeted strikes against Hamas targets to diminish their power and control.

Israel currently controls around 50% of Gaza, and the implementation of this plan would see Israeli forces further encroach into the territory. The objective is to weaken Hamas control and ultimately push them out of the region. Smotrich emphasized the importance of facing a weakened enemy, devoid of outside aid and supplies, to ensure a successful operation.

While Smotrich’s comments have sparked controversy and debate, it’s essential to recognize that they do not align with the official stance of the Israeli government. The situation in Gaza remains complex and sensitive, with various political, humanitarian, and security considerations at play. As tensions continue to escalate in the region, it is crucial for all parties involved to seek peaceful and constructive solutions to address the longstanding issues and conflicts in Gaza.