Today, Monday, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called again for the occupation of the Gaza Strip and the establishment of settlements there. He also renewed his opposition to concluding an agreement with the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) to exchange prisoners and stop the war of genocide that Israel has been waging against the Strip since October 7. 2023.
Smotrich, the leader of the extremist “Religious Zionism” party, said in statements to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority that “the right thing” for him is full control of the Gaza Strip, reiterating his opposition to any agreement with the “Hamas” movement, whether for a prisoner exchange or a ceasefire.
The Israeli minister indicated that the primary goal of the war is “eliminating the Hamas threat,” while stressing that “occupying Gaza and restoring settlements” is one of his future priorities, and not part of the goals of the current war.
He also expressed his rejection of “prisoner exchange” deals, stressing that the return of detained Israeli soldiers must be through “military pressure,” considering that the best option to achieve Israel’s war goals.
But on the other hand, Smotrich defended his support for the ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, which entered into force on November 27. He explained that the US administration exerted great pressure on Israel to accept the agreement, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the decision by focusing on the “Iranian threat” and renewing the strength of the Israeli army.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel, with American support, has been waging a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in the death and injury of more than 149,000 Palestinians, most of whom are women and children, in addition to the destruction of the Strip’s infrastructure and the occurrence of a famine that has claimed the lives of dozens of civilians. Among them are children and the elderly.
Despite the continued intense bombing, Israel is still unable to achieve its stated goals, especially eliminating Hamas or recovering its prisoners.
