According to Jerusalem Post, a controversial declaration by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calling for Israel to impose military rule over Gaza has triggered fierce political backlash and drawn sharp international concern, exposing deep fractures within Israel’s war cabinet.
The remarks were made during a closed-door meeting of the ruling Likud party, but a recording was later obtained by several Israeli news outlets. In it, Smotrich argued forcefully against any potential post-war plan that would involve an international or Palestinian-led administration for the Gaza Strip.
“We must explain to him that his plan is bad for the State of Israel and cancel it, Gaza is ours, and its future will affect our future more than that of anyone else. Therefore, we are taking responsibility for what happens there, imposing military rule, and completing the mission, Smotrich was heard saying, in an apparent reference to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The comments directly contradict the stated position of key allies, including the United States, which has been pushing for a revitalized Palestinian Authority to eventually govern Gaza as part of a two-state solution framework, they also highlight the growing influence of far-right factions, like Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party, on the government’s strategic direction.
Within hours, opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned the statement, calling it reckless and damaging to Israel’s security and diplomatic standing. “Smotrich’s fantasy of endless occupation is a strategic threat to Israel, Lapid stated.
More critically, a minister from the centrist National Unity Party, a crucial member of the emergency wartime coalition, labeled the remarks a red line, such public dissent threatens the stability of the unity government formed after the October 7 attacks.
The U.S. State Department, when asked about the recording, reiterated its stance that Gaza must not be reoccupied. “We have been clear that a return to the status quo of October 6 is not possible, a spokesperson said. Arab nations, including Egypt and Jordan, issued swift condemnations, warning that such rhetoric undermines any prospect for lasting peace.
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