Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich spoke today (Monday) with Amit Segal at the Jerusalem conference of 'B'Sheva', held in Tel Hai - and said that the intensification of fighting in Gaza includes occupying territories from which there is no intention to withdraw, even if a hostage deal is reached.
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""We are finally going to occupy the Gaza Strip. We will stop being afraid of the word 'occupation.' It was the most trivial word in the early days of the state - with Hafez Haim occupying his country. We are occupying territory and staying in it. We are finally taking control of all humanitarian aid, so that it does not become a supply for Hamas. We are separating Hamas from the population, cleansing the Strip, returning the kidnapped - and overwhelming Hamas. We will not surrender, it will surrender," Smotrich declared.
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He noted that a dramatic decision was made in the cabinet, more than it seems at first glance. "From the moment the maneuver begins - there is no withdrawal from the territories we have conquered, not even in exchange for hostages. The only way to free the hostages is to subdue Hamas. Any withdrawal will bring back next October 7. As soon as we conquer and remain - we can talk about sovereignty. But I did not demand that this be included in the goals of the war. First, we will defeat Hamas and prevent it from existing.".
Regarding the fear of harming the hostages, the minister said: "The hostages are harmed every moment they are held by Hamas. Israel is doing everything to protect them. There will be a very heavy price for Hamas in the event of harm. We want our fighters to fight against a tired, hungry and exhausted enemy - not under supplies that come from outside the Strip.".
Smotrich noted that since December 2023 he has been warning about the failure of sending humanitarian aid that reaches Hamas. "I have demanded it again and again. Today everyone understands that this is the Archimedes point of the campaign. We have divided the area: south of the Morag axis, civilians will be transferred for protection purposes, humanitarian aid will be received there. North of Morag – it will become a sterile space, devoid of supplies for the enemy.".
The Finance Minister also spoke about the need for adequate compensation for reserve service members. "We have already invested NIS 9 billion, and now we are leading an additional aid package of NIS 3 billion - including credit points, preference in land tenders, daycare centers, student dormitories, and university admissions. Those who serve will receive much more.".
When asked about the fight against the Iranian nuclear program, he replied: “We cannot allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons - period. How? When? By what means? It is better to remain silent about this. This is a historical and security obligation.”.
He also addressed the issue of recruiting Haredi yeshiva students. "I am not willing to give up and I am not giving up. The way to recruit is not through hatred and division, but through incentives, adjustments and responsible leadership. I will not let the integration processes stop. There is a real desire in the Haredi community to serve and be part of Israeli society – even if it means preserving their way of life.".
When asked if negotiations were underway on compensation for the Haredim, he responded: "A lie and a lie. There is no such thing. Over my dead body. There will be a conscription law - with a target of 501,000 conscription within 7 years, accompanied by sanctions and enforcement. The Haredi leadership will give it legitimacy, and the army will finally start conscripting.".
He added and claimed: "I have a deep common denominator with the ultra-Orthodox public. We are allies in the national camp. I strive to correct what requires correction – also on the issue of the army, but always out of faith, responsibility and Zionist partnership.".
