According to a right-wing Israeli minister, Israel cannot claim victory until Gaza is completely eradicated, and Palestinians are compelled to relocate to other nations.
During a conference on Jewish settlements in the West Bank, Israeli Finance Minister Bazalel Smotrich expressed this viewpoint. It is crucial to note that Smotrich’s views do not reflect the official stance of the Israeli government, despite his prominent position within the Israeli administration.
“We anticipate achieving victory in Gaza within a year,” Smotrich declared to the conference attendees. He proposed a plan where Gaza would be demolished, and civilians would be relocated to a designated humanitarian area in the southern region, free from Hamas influence. Subsequently, they would be encouraged to emigrate to other countries in substantial numbers,” cited the Agence France-Presse.
“Israel does not intend to withdraw from territories the IDF captures, not even as part of a deal to release hostages,” he added.
Dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariots, the plan would also seek to prevent the militant Hamas group from distributing humanitarian aid, which Israel says strengthens the group’s rule in Gaza. It also accuses Hamas of keeping the aid for itself to bolster its capabilities. The plan also included powerful strikes against Hamas targets, the officials said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he approved an “intensive” plan for IDF operations in Gaza. (Israeli Government Press Office via AP)
“We want our troops to fight against a tired, hungry, and exhausted enemy, not one that has supplies and aid coming from outside the strip,” Smotrich said in a statement on Monday.
Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
