Hamas-Israel war: "Occupying Gaza is possible and necessary'’ Israeli Government

Israel’s Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has expressed a controversial view that Israel should occupy the Gaza Strip in response to the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Speaking at a conference organized by the Yesha Council, Smotrich called this move both “possible and necessary,” according to Channel 12 News, and stated that Israel should not shy away from such an approach. He insisted that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) must assume responsibility for Gaza’s civilian administration, describing it as a “non-negotiable condition.”

As head of the Religious Zionist Party and overseer of the Defense Ministry’s civilian administration in Judea and Samaria, Smotrich dismissed concerns about the estimated 5 billion shekel ($1.4 billion) annual cost of managing Gaza. He referred to these financial warnings as “nonsense” and argued that failing to prevent Hamas from rearming and threatening Israel again would come at a far higher price.

Smotrich proposed that the IDF should remain in Gaza post-war to oversee security, eliminate Hamas’s civilian control, and manage civilian efforts. He characterized Hamas as primarily a civilian movement underpinning its military wing, asserting that dismantling this civilian base is crucial. He also suggested a controversial policy of encouraging "voluntary migration" to significantly reduce Gaza’s population, proposing it as a potential model for Judea and Samaria.

Smotrich touched on U.S. political dynamics, expressing optimism about working with a potential Trump administration and Republican congressional majorities starting January 2025. He emphasized navigating the final months of the Biden administration carefully to avoid irreversible decisions by the U.N. Security Council and to address challenges related to Gaza, Judea, Samaria, and Lebanon. He concluded by urging cautious and deliberate decision-making during this transitional period.