Portrait of Bezalel Smotrich
Politician · organisation
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Bezalel Smotrich on Hamas

Calls for total destruction (strong)

TL;DR

Bezalel Smotrich demands the complete destruction of Hamas, advocating for Israeli reoccupation and settlement of the Gaza Strip if they do not disarm.

Key Points

  • He stated that Israel will not permit 'safe passage' for Hamas operatives in exchange for the return of hostages' bodies, calling it a betrayal of fallen soldiers in November 2025.

  • Smotrich called for a phased annexation of the Gaza Strip over three to four months if Hamas refuses to surrender and disarm by a set deadline, as stated in August 2025.

  • He advocates for the IDF to receive international legitimacy and backing to destroy Hamas if disarmament efforts, potentially under a US-issued ultimatum, fail by a 60-day deadline in early 2026.

Summary

Bezalel Smotrich explicitly states that Israel must achieve a decisive victory over Hamas, asserting that there is only one option: the destruction of the organization that carried out the October 7 attacks. He has presented a plan that includes issuing an ultimatum to Hamas to surrender, release all captives, and dismantle its infrastructure. If Hamas rejects these conditions, his plan involves the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launching an intensive operation and imposing a siege on key areas. This hardline stance contrasts with proposals involving prisoner exchanges or allowing safe passage for operatives.

Furthermore, the Finance Minister expresses a firm belief that Israel will ultimately occupy the Gaza Strip and reestablish Jewish settlements there, irrespective of short-term political agreements or international involvement. He suggests that even if an internationally backed plan is attempted, the IDF will resume military action to ensure Hamas's complete defeat if disarmament stipulations are not met promptly. Smotrich implies that this outcome is inevitable, stating the reoccupation will happen whether it takes one, two, or three years.

Key Quotes

“This can be achieved in three to four months,”

Frequently Asked Questions

Bezalel Smotrich's core position is that Hamas must be completely destroyed following its October 7 attack. He views the organization as an absolute evil that necessitates a decisive military victory over it.

The Finance Minister explicitly states that Israel will eventually occupy the Gaza Strip and reestablish Jewish settlements there. He believes this is an unavoidable long-term truth for the region.

No, Bezalel Smotrich strongly rejected proposals to allow 'safe passage' for Hamas operatives in exchange for hostages or bodies. He views releasing terrorists as unacceptable and a betrayal of fallen soldiers.