Official statements from the Israeli government or credible news sources such as BBC, Reuters, or Al Jazeera

Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich Threatens Government Over Gaza Control and Gradual Takeover

Jan 19, 2025, 10:14 AM

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has threatened to bring down the government if Israel does not resume fighting in the Gaza Strip to achieve full control and management of the region. Smotrich's statements come in the wake of a ceasefire agreement, which he criticized, asserting that he had secured assurances from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet for a continued war on Gaza, including a gradual Israeli takeover of the entire strip. Smotrich also made controversial remarks about the Palestinian population, stating that Israel would 'erase the smile on their faces and turn it into screaming for the breakdown of those who remained alive,' describing Palestinians as 'animals who love death and dance for the destruction of their life.' He further claimed that Gaza is currently 'uninhabitable' and would remain so.