Military rule proposed by Bezalel Smotrich in Gaza region
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, the latest statistics from the Ministry of Health reveal a grim reality. Since October 7, the death toll has soared to 26,637 people, with over 65,387 injuries [1]. This escalating violence has led to a humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of people lacking shelter and thousands killed and dozens of thousands injured in the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip [1].
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a firm supporter of a far-right stance, has been a key figure in this conflict. He opposes a ceasefire in Gaza unless Hamas is fully defeated and advocates for continued Israeli military control over the Gaza enclave [2][3]. This hardline approach complicates efforts for diplomacy, as seen in the halted U.S.-Israel ceasefire talks with Hamas in July 2025, despite worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza [1][3].
Smotrich's position aligns with a military victory over Hamas rather than negotiating a ceasefire. He has stated that halting the war in Gaza for two months would allow Hamas to restore its rule [4]. His opposition to a ceasefire also reflects broader far-right influence in Israeli politics that may push against concessions or withdrawals from Gaza [2].
Aid trucks are entering the Gaza Strip at a lower rate than before the conflict began. However, Smotrich does not support aid to Palestinians in Gaza being handled by UNRWA, and instead wants Israel to control the distribution of all aid [5]. This stance has been widely condemned, and Smotrich has even been accused of proposing ethnic cleansing of Gaza's Palestinian population [6].
Smotrich has also advocated for Israeli military control of Gaza after the war, aiming to manage the humanitarian effort in a way that does not help Hamas keep civilians dependent on it [7]. In response to Palestinian fighters infiltrating Israel from the Gaza Strip and capturing military bases, Israeli armed forces have targeted Hamas positions inside the Gaza Strip [8].
The Hamas military group announced a military operation called "Al-Aqsa Flood" against Israel on October 7 [9]. Photos and videos showed Hamas fighters on vehicles inside Israel and others paragliding into occupation territory [10]. Gazans are suffering from severe food insecurity, and the healthcare system has collapsed [11]. Approximately 85% of Gazans have been displaced [1].
On January 30th, 2024, Smotrich stated that his Religious Zionist Party would not agree to a ceasefire in Gaza [12]. He also stated that there would be a military administration in Gaza the day after the war [13]. These statements further solidify Smotrich's commitment to a hardline approach to the conflict in Gaza.
References:
- Ministry of Health, Gaza statistics
- Haaretz, Smotrich's opposition to ceasefire
- Al Jazeera, Far-right leaders threaten to leave government over ceasefire
- Ynet News, Smotrich's statement on halting the war
- The Jerusalem Post, Smotrich's stance on aid distribution
- The Times of Israel, Smotrich accused of proposing ethnic cleansing
- Haaretz, Smotrich's plan for managing humanitarian efforts
- Al Jazeera, Israeli response to Palestinian infiltration
- Al Jazeera, Hamas announces "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation
- CNN, Hamas fighters in Israel and occupied territory
- The New York Times, Gaza's healthcare system collapses
- The Jerusalem Post, Smotrich's statement on ceasefire
- Haaretz, Smotrich's statement on military administration in Gaza
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