Finance Minister Smotrich Urges Full Israeli Control Over Gaza After Hamas Strikes

Finance Minister and Defense Ministry official Bezalel Smotrich called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to implement full Israeli control over the Gaza Strip. Speaking at a meeting in Sderot marking the start of the Elul period, Smotrich advocated for a complete military occupation, establishment of a military government, and the return of Jewish settlements to Gaza. He also suggested encouraging voluntary emigration for those wishing to leave the area.

Smotrich emphasized that no international actor or the Palestinian Authority could dismantle Hamas’s military power, asserting that Israel must take direct responsibility to achieve the war’s primary goal of destroying Hamas following the October 7 massacre. He dismissed proposals for an international force to manage Gaza, stating no country would send troops to disarm Hamas.

Addressing the ongoing debate within the Israeli government about Gaza’s future, Smotrich rejected both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority as viable rulers post-conflict. He framed the choice as Israel’s control or continued terrorist rule, stressing that Jewish settlement presence is essential for security. His remarks came amid recent targeted killings of Hamas leaders and internal government disagreements over a 15-point agreement on Gaza’s administration, which Smotrich and Minister Orit Strook opposed, leading Netanyahu to reject it.

Rabbi David Fendel, head of the Sderot yeshiva, praised Smotrich’s stance as aligned with Jewish values and the sanctity of the land. Smotrich’s position signals a push for a significant policy shift toward direct Israeli governance of Gaza after the war, focusing on security and dismantling Hamas’s influence.