Smotrich and Struck Demand Halt to Peace Council Activities and Multinational Force in Gaza

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Minister Orit Struck sent an urgent letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, calling for the rejection of the Peace Council's roadmap for Gaza and the prevention of the multinational force's entry into the Strip. They urged the cancellation of a previous cabinet decision, which they claim was based on incorrect information. The letter criticizes a 15-point document published by the Peace Council over the weekend, arguing it contradicts Israel's goals of disarming Hamas, demilitarizing Gaza, and removing threats to Israel, as well as commitments made by the United States to Israel.

Smotrich and Struck highlight that the roadmap subjects the activities of involved bodies to Palestinian law, which they say lacks provisions against terrorism and incitement, and permits payments to terrorists who attacked Israel. They also claim that Hamas members dismissed for failing security screenings could receive alternative salaries funded by the Peace Council, effectively continuing to finance Hamas operatives after their service ends. The ministers criticize the disarmament plan, stating weapons, production facilities, and tunnels would not be destroyed or removed but transferred to other Palestinian entities, and that personal weapons would be allowed under Palestinian law.

They warn against setting a timetable for Israeli withdrawal before full demilitarization, which they say contradicts the cabinet's decision that no withdrawal should occur prior to complete disarmament. Regarding the multinational force (ISF), the ministers argue that while it was presented as assisting in arms collection and Hamas disarmament, the roadmap assigns it to monitor Israel, separate IDF and Hamas forces, and legitimize the Palestinian police, effectively restricting Israel's freedom of action. They also criticize the new oversight mechanism involving Arab states, the Peace Council, and the multinational force, and note the rehabilitation section does not clearly prohibit reconstruction before full disarmament. The document also reiterates the goal of establishing a Palestinian state.

In conclusion, Smotrich and Struck demand Israel refuse the roadmap until it is amended, call for the cancellation of the cabinet decision on the multinational force, and insist on a new decision to block its entry into Gaza until its objectives, authority, and legal subordination are clarified.