Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated in private conversations, as reported by Israel Hayom, that occupying 75% of the Gaza Strip and applying sustained, intense military pressure on Hamas would result in the group's collapse.
اضافة اعلان
Smotrich emphasized that gaining control over the majority of Gaza would enable Israel to cut off Hamas’s supply and funding lines, severely weakening its organizational and military capabilities. He argued that continuous military pressure — including airstrikes and ground operations — would erode the morale of Hamas fighters and could potentially lead to the group's disintegration or surrender.
He described this approach as a decisive strategy to eliminate the threat Hamas poses to Israeli security, although it would require a long-term commitment and intensive military efforts.
Smotrich also noted that no progress has been made regarding the release of hostages, asserting that Hamas continues to demand an end to the war.
According to the report, Smotrich said that the Israeli military plans to flatten the area between the Morag and Philadelphi corridors, after which American companies would be brought in to distribute food supplies.
He further claimed that the U.S. position has not changed, and that former President Donald Trump still supports a migration plan and backs Israel’s position on Gaza.
In a sign of deepening tensions within the Israeli government, Smotrich accused National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir of being a criminal, asserting that he should not be leaking information from the Cabinet.
These remarks come as Israeli military operations in Gaza intensify, with heavy airstrikes over recent days resulting in numerous casualties and growing international warnings of a worsening humanitarian crisis in the territory.
— Israel Hayom
