Minister of Finance of Israel Bezalel Smotrich
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has spoken out harshly about the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, saying that Israel will not end the war until it completely destroys Hamas. This was reported by the Israeli media, The Jerusalem Post reports.
“There is an ongoing discussion about the possibility of stopping the war. The war cannot be stopped until Hamas is completely destroyed,” he said.
Smotrich also issued an ultimatum, stressing that for every hostage killed, Israel would seize 5% of Gaza’s territory.
At the same time, Israeli security forces are preparing for a possible re-entry of the IDF into the Gaza Strip. Military sources say that the army is ready to quickly establish control over strategic areas, including the northern Gaza Strip, the Netzarim corridor and the city of Khan Younis.
“Our enemies understand only force. They do not care about thousands of victims and destroyed cities – and this is exactly what we need to do,” the minister added.
Smotrich also criticised humanitarian aid for Gaza, calling for a halt to the supply of water, electricity and food, and for “concentrating all Gazans in one area with their subsequent relocation”.
Commenting on the situation with the hostage exchange, the minister expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that Israel is vulnerable to blackmail: “During the negotiations, the country is under constant stress from every statement made by Hamas. A state that wants security and normal life cannot exist in this way.”
He concluded by saying: “Gaza will once again be part of the State of Israel, because it is our land, and this is the only way to ensure the security of our citizens.”
