Smotrich says Gaza deal a 'catastrophe', displays thirst for genocide

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
18 Jan 2025 23:54
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Extremist Bezalel Smotrich slams Benjamin Netanyahu for approving the Gaza ceasefire during a public address.

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Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks at the Knesset in occupied al-Quds, on July 10, 2023 (AP)

The Gaza ceasefire deal is a "catastrophic agreement", Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said while addressing the occupation.

While addressing the occupation, Smotrich expressed sharp criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu and the newly approved deal for the release of captives, labeling it as a catastrophic agreement that jeopardizes national security and undermines the "progress" achieved during the war.

Although his vehement opposition to the establishment of the ceasefire bore no fruits, he emphasized his commitment to ensuring the war’s objectives remain intact, particularly the impossible goal of dismantling the Hamas Resistance movement in Gaza.

The far-right minister also revealed that before the agreement was approved, he had firmly advocated for the gradual takeover and occupation of Gaza to gain comprehensive control over the territory and halt humanitarian aid from allegedly reaching Hamas.

Although Smotrich's vision for Gaza and the Israeli war collapsed with the agreement, he bitterly expressed his genocidal intents.

"Look at Gaza—it lies in ruins, uninhabitable, and it will remain so. Do not be swayed by the forced celebrations of our enemies. They are a barbaric society that glorifies death and dances on the ruins of their own lives. Soon enough, we will once again erase their smiles and replace them with cries of despair and the wails of those left with nothing," he said.

Admitting defeat, Smotrich urged illegal settlers to remain steadfast and persevere "until victory is achieved".

He then reaffirmed his position, stating that he would not remain in a government that halts the war prematurely or fails to secure a definitive victory. He called on citizens to stay resilient and united, vowing to continue the fight until all captives are returned and Hamas is eliminated.

A massive failure

A poll published by Israeli newspaper Maariv revealed that only 8% of Israelis believe that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has fully achieved the objectives it set for the war on Gaza.

This comes amid reports from Israeli media emphasizing the heavy toll being exacted on the Israeli occupation forces in northern Gaza.

Additionally, The New York Times highlighted growing skepticism within the upper echelons of the Israeli military leadership about achieving the war's two primary objectives: eradicating Hamas and securing the release of over 100 captives still held in Gaza.

Former Israeli National Security Council head Giora Eiland acknowledged the difficulty of securing victory, stating, "As long as weapons and ammunition exist in Gaza, and as long as there are enough young men ready to fight to the death, victory will remain elusive."