Photo: Britannica
Jerusalem – Yesterday’s meeting of Israel’s political and security cabinet was marked by heated arguments and mutual accusations over the distribution of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip and the prevention of it falling into Hamas’ hands. The conflict culminated in a tense confrontation between Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and the IDF Chief of Staff, who said that Israeli soldiers would not distribute aid in Gaza. Today, Smotrych issued a statement accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and threatening to leave the government if Gaza is not occupied and humanitarian aid is not managed by Israel, Israel’s Channel 12 reported.
Smotrych sharply criticised the position of the General Staff, saying: “You follow orders. If you say you can’t handle it, we can replace you.” He stressed that managing humanitarian aid in Gaza so that it does not reach Hamas is a “critical element” to winning the war. “It is an integral part of the military effort, more important than an extra division or firepower. We will not win without it,” the minister stressed. He also noted that a year and a half ago he demanded clear instructions for the IDF in this regard, which were approved by the cabinet before the latest hostage deal.
Despite his harsh words against the Chief of the General Staff, Smotrych clarified that his criticism was directed primarily at Netanyahu, who, according to him, does not ensure that the IDF’s political decisions are implemented. “The introduction of logistical aid that goes to Hamas is a step I will not take part in. Continuing the military stalemate and providing humanitarian aid to Hamas while our hostages are there is not an option,” he said. Smotrych also accused the prime minister of lacking a clear strategy, demanding “the launch of a campaign to destroy Hamas, occupy Gaza, establish an interim military administration and return the hostages.”
A political source with knowledge of the details said that no decision had been made to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. “The political leadership has instructed the security system and the IDF to deprive Hamas of control over humanitarian aid under any circumstances,” the source said.
The Foreign Ministers of Germany, France and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement, stressing that “humanitarian aid cannot be used as a political tool”. They stressed that Israel is obliged under international law to ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian aid.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid sharply criticised the government, saying: “This government is not capable of winning the war. They have had a year and a half, full support from the US and the opposition, but the excuses are over.” He added that the government, which “encourages evasion, has lost the trust of our heroic fighters” and is unable to define a strategy for Gaza after the war.
One of the leaders of the Yisrael Beytenu party, Oded Forer, also criticised the government, calling Smotrych’s behaviour in the cabinet “arrogant and out of touch with reality”. “It is unacceptable that a senior minister behaves with arrogance and disdain during a security discussion, and the prime minister does not even dare to stop him,” he wrote on the X network.
Security officials estimate that Gaza will run out of water, food and fuel in about three weeks. However, the IDF notes that even after that, Hamas is likely to have access to some supplies through its control over the distribution of aid. This creates a contradiction in estimates, and it is unclear when exactly the entire humanitarian stockpile in the Strip will run out.
The dispute in the cabinet also escalated due to Smotrych’s conflict with the head of Shabak, Ronen Bar. During the meeting, the minister interrupted Bar’s speech, saying that he was “going to the bathroom”, and later shouted that “there is no order of speeches” and that “everyone should not speak”.
The situation around humanitarian aid remains tense, and Smotrych’s threats to resign add to the instability in an already difficult political context. Further actions by the government and the IDF will determine whether a solution can be found that satisfies all parties and ensures Israel’s security.
Source: Mako, 23 April 2025
