War Goals Relinquishment Requires Fresh Elections, Claims MK Tzvi Sukkot
Israel's Hardline Gaza Policy and the Call for a Decisive Victory
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a hardened approach is being advocated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies, including Minister Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionism party. This approach involves the full Israeli occupation of Gaza, particularly areas where hostages are believed to be held, as a means to pressure Hamas [2].
Smotrich, a key figure in the Religious Zionism party, has been vocal in his opposition to any potential deal with Hamas, stating that such a deal would not bring victory. Instead, he suggests a clear move towards a decisive victory, one that would end with Hamas's total surrender and the return of all hostages in one wave, or its total defeat and destruction [1].
Smotrich's stance is rooted in his belief that temporary pauses in fighting would only allow Hamas to negotiate and prolong the conflict. He advocates for a war to win to the end, even if it has heavy costs. Furthermore, he proposes the annexation of large parts of the Gaza Strip and the opening of its gates to voluntary emigration [1].
However, Smotrich expresses a lack of confidence in the Prime Minister's ability and willingness to lead the IDF to a decisive victory. He has stated that he cannot support a decision that does not aim for a decisive victory over Hamas. Smotrich also expresses disapproval of the diplomatic and international costs associated with the conflict without a clear victory [1].
It is important to note that Israel broke the ceasefire with Hamas in March 2025 via airstrikes, escalating violence and causing a stalemate in peace efforts. Netanyahu's government rejects full withdrawal from Gaza, insisting on occupation of strategic areas like the Philadelphi Corridor, contradicting international proposals and deepening conflict with Palestinians and regional actors such as Egypt [1][2].
The U.S. political influence is evident but partially acquiescing to Israel’s hardline stance on Gaza, adding complexity to ceasefire and humanitarian aid discussions [1][2]. Humanitarian conditions in Gaza have deteriorated, with Israel's restrictions on aid organizations and a militarized distribution system complicating relief efforts, fueling further regional and international criticism [3].
Internal political dynamics within Israel also reveal heightened tensions. Smotrich has expressed calls for dissolving the Knesset, reflecting these tensions [1]. The ongoing occupation and military pressure, coupled with the internal political strife, paint a complex picture of Israel's Gaza policy under Netanyahu and allies like Smotrich.
References:
[1] Gold, R. (2025). Smotrich calls for dissolving Knesset as tensions rise over Gaza policy. The Jerusalem Post.
[2] Khalili, L. (2025). Netanyahu's Gaza policy: A shift towards intensified military control. Middle East Eye.
[3] UN OCHA (2025). Humanitarian crisis deepens in Gaza as Israeli restrictions hinder relief efforts. United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts between Israel and Hamas, particularly in Gaza, involves a hardline policy-and-legislation advocated by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies, such as Minister Smotrich, who advocate for a decisive victory with no temporary pauses, even at a high cost.
- The ongoing Gaza policy under Netanyahu and allies like Smotrich includes military occupation, annexation, and pressure on Hamas, which has led to a complex situation with internal political tensions, deteriorating general-news conditions in Gaza, and international criticism.
