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JUST IN:
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that the Israeli Security Cabinet made a decision yesterday—that decision, when explained, is more criminal than it may initially appear.
“No withdrawal – even as part of a deal”
He said: “From the moment the maneuver began, there will be no withdrawal from the areas we’ve taken control of, even in exchange for the hostages. The only way to free the hostages is by subduing Hamxs.”
This marks a shift from the previous stage of the hostage deal, which included an Israeli withdrawal. He added: “We are occupying Gaza to stay—no more going in and out. This is a war for victory, and it’s time to stop fearing the word ‘occupation.’ We will settle the battle with Hamxs—we will not surrender, they will.”
According to Smotrich, all residents of the Gaza Strip will be displaced south of the Morag Axis, to a single area where humanitarian aid will be distributed under Israeli security supervision.
He added:
“We are going to occupy the Gaza Strip once and for all. We will stop being afraid of the word ‘occupation.’ This word was completely natural during the founding of the state—a people who love life occupies its land.”
On reinforcing sovereignty: “We occupy—and then talk about imposing sovereignty”
Smotrich confirmed that annexation is on the table:
“Once we occupy and stay—then we can talk about sovereignty. But I haven’t demanded that this be included in the war goals. First, we must settle the battle with Hamxs and prevent it from continuing to exist.”
Mike