Israel’s far-right Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has issued a stern ultimatum to Hamas militants: surrender your weapons and leave Gaza. This declaration comes as Israel’s cabinet prepares to discuss the next steps in the ongoing truce with Hamas.
In a video statement, Smotrich emphasized his intent to push for a ministerial vote on U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed plan. He stated that Israel must present a clear ultimatum to Hamas: “immediately release all hostages, leave Gaza for other countries, and lay down your arms.” He warned that failure to comply would result in Israel “opening the gates of hell,” echoing language used by both Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Smotrich, a vocal critic of halting military operations, has threatened to resign from Netanyahu’s coalition government if hostilities do not resume after the initial phase of the ceasefire. Trump’s plan, though lacking detailed specifics, has sparked international controversy due to its suggestion of relocating Palestinians to nations like Egypt and Jordan under a U.S.-led “takeover” of Gaza.
Advocating for a “complete conquest” of Gaza, Smotrich proposed that upon resumption of military actions, Israel should seize 10% of Gaza’s territory, establish full sovereignty, and apply Israeli law immediately. He also called for a total halt to humanitarian aid once combat recommences.
The security cabinet is set to convene to deliberate on the second phase of the fragile ceasefire, which commenced on January 19, 2025. The 15-month-long conflict has resulted in extensive destruction, displacing nearly the entire population of Gaza and leading to widespread hunger, as reported by the United Nations.
Since the truce began, 19 Israeli hostages have been freed in exchange for over 1,100 Palestinian prisoners. Of the 251 individuals captured during Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, 70 remain in Gaza, with the Israeli military reporting that 35 of them are deceased.
Smotrich’s hardline stance underscores the deep divisions within Israel’s government regarding the path to lasting peace and security in the region.
