Context:

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that Gaza should be entirely destroyed and Palestinians relocated to other countries, reflecting a hardline stance that does not align with the official Israeli government policy. This assertion came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government approved a plan for an indefinite takeover of Gaza, which would involve moving more Palestinians to southern Gaza for safety reasons. The plan, dubbed Operation Gideon's Chariots, aims to gradually expand Israeli control over Gaza by eliminating Hamas's influence and preventing the group from distributing humanitarian aid. Smotrich emphasized that Israel does not intend to withdraw from captured territories, even in negotiations for hostages, and aims to weaken Hamas by cutting off external supplies. The plan's implementation is contingent on the outcome of hostage negotiations before President Donald Trump's scheduled visit to Israel on May 13, 2025.

Dive Deeper:

• Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli Finance Minister, declared that victory in Gaza requires its complete destruction and the displacement of Palestinians to other countries, though this is not the official stance of the Israeli government.

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government approved a plan to take over Gaza indefinitely, involving the relocation of Palestinians within Gaza to safer areas, with the operation described as 'intensive'.

• The operation, named Operation Gideon's Chariots, seeks to eliminate Hamas control in Gaza and prevent the group from distributing humanitarian aid, which Israel claims strengthens Hamas's governance.

• Israel's strategic plan includes aggressive military actions against Hamas targets and aims to ensure that Israeli forces face a weakened, resource-deprived enemy.

• The Israeli government does not plan to withdraw from captured territories, even if it means refusing to negotiate hostages' release, as stated by Smotrich.

• The operation's commencement is contingent upon the absence of a successful hostage deal by May 13, 2025, when President Donald Trump is expected to visit Israel.

• This development is part of broader geopolitical tensions, with Israeli forces already controlling about half of Gaza, and plans to extend this control by gradually diminishing Hamas's presence.