Controversial statements by the Israeli Finance Minister about Gaza and settlement construction

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich made provocative statements that the regime will continue to strengthen settlement construction throughout the occupied territories and will never allow the establishment of an Arab terrorist state in the land of Israel.

Smotrich continued his claims by calling for a large-scale military operation in Gaza, which he said would impose heavy military and political costs on Hamas.

He suggested that, in the first phase, Gaza be treated as a war zone and its residents evacuated to protect themselves and isolate the terrorists.

He added that after the evacuation, a complete blockade should be imposed and food, water, fuel, and electricity should be prevented from entering Gaza so that Hamas is isolated and the terrorists either die in the tunnels or surrender and hand over the Zionist prisoners.

The Zionist minister also called for annexing a large part of the Gaza Strip to the occupied territories and establishing new settlements in the area.

He described the move as part of Hamas’ “political cost and punishment for its mistakes.”