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Israeli Minister Urges Hamas to Capitulate and Exit Gaza
Bezalel Smotrich calls for the disarmament of Hamas and warns that he will pull out of the governing coalition if the conflict with the militant organization does not restart.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared on Monday that Hamas militants must disarm and leave Gaza.
This statement came as the Israeli cabinet was set to discuss the next steps in the ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.
In a video address, Smotrich highlighted that he would advocate for a ministerial vote on a proposal from US President Donald Trump, urging Israel to deliver a definitive ultimatum to Hamas that calls for the immediate release of all hostages, the evacuation of militants to other countries, and the relinquishment of weapons.
Smotrich remarked, "If Hamas rejects this ultimatum, Israel will unleash hell," echoing remarks previously made by both Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Known for his unwavering opposition to a cessation of hostilities, Smotrich suggested he might leave Netanyahu's coalition government if fighting does not resume after the initial phase of the truce.
Trump's plan, which has faced criticism for its vague nature, has garnered international condemnation for proposing the resettlement of Palestinians in neighboring nations like Egypt and Jordan while suggesting US oversight of Gaza.
Smotrich advocated for a "total conquest" of Gaza.
Israeli media reported that the security cabinet met on Monday evening to discuss the second phase of a ceasefire initiated on January 19, 2023. United Nations statistics indicate that over 15 months of conflict have left more than 69 percent of Gaza's structures either destroyed or damaged, displacing nearly the entire population and triggering widespread food shortages.
Smotrich stated, "It's them or us. Either we defeat Hamas, or God forbid, Hamas will defeat us." He urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to declare that when combat resumes after the current phase, Israel intends to capture 10 percent of Gaza's territory, establish full sovereignty over it, and promptly apply Israeli law in that area.
He also mentioned that all humanitarian aid would be halted once fighting restarts.
In his remarks, Smotrich unveiled a forthcoming strategy that would allow Gaza residents to leave, but under terms that prevent their return.
He concluded, "The loss of territory is the only significant price our foes comprehend—the one thing that will make them realize we are serious."
Since the start of the truce, 19 Israeli hostages have been released in exchange for over 1,100 Palestinian prisoners.
Of the 251 individuals captured during the Hamas raid on October 7, 2023, which sparked the ongoing conflict, 70 remain in Gaza, with the Israeli military reporting that 35 of them are deceased.
This statement came as the Israeli cabinet was set to discuss the next steps in the ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.
In a video address, Smotrich highlighted that he would advocate for a ministerial vote on a proposal from US President Donald Trump, urging Israel to deliver a definitive ultimatum to Hamas that calls for the immediate release of all hostages, the evacuation of militants to other countries, and the relinquishment of weapons.
Smotrich remarked, "If Hamas rejects this ultimatum, Israel will unleash hell," echoing remarks previously made by both Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Known for his unwavering opposition to a cessation of hostilities, Smotrich suggested he might leave Netanyahu's coalition government if fighting does not resume after the initial phase of the truce.
Trump's plan, which has faced criticism for its vague nature, has garnered international condemnation for proposing the resettlement of Palestinians in neighboring nations like Egypt and Jordan while suggesting US oversight of Gaza.
Smotrich advocated for a "total conquest" of Gaza.
Israeli media reported that the security cabinet met on Monday evening to discuss the second phase of a ceasefire initiated on January 19, 2023. United Nations statistics indicate that over 15 months of conflict have left more than 69 percent of Gaza's structures either destroyed or damaged, displacing nearly the entire population and triggering widespread food shortages.
Smotrich stated, "It's them or us. Either we defeat Hamas, or God forbid, Hamas will defeat us." He urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to declare that when combat resumes after the current phase, Israel intends to capture 10 percent of Gaza's territory, establish full sovereignty over it, and promptly apply Israeli law in that area.
He also mentioned that all humanitarian aid would be halted once fighting restarts.
In his remarks, Smotrich unveiled a forthcoming strategy that would allow Gaza residents to leave, but under terms that prevent their return.
He concluded, "The loss of territory is the only significant price our foes comprehend—the one thing that will make them realize we are serious."
Since the start of the truce, 19 Israeli hostages have been released in exchange for over 1,100 Palestinian prisoners.
Of the 251 individuals captured during the Hamas raid on October 7, 2023, which sparked the ongoing conflict, 70 remain in Gaza, with the Israeli military reporting that 35 of them are deceased.
