BEFORE THE inauguration of the new government, Benjamin Netanyahu and Itamar Ben-Gvir chat in the Knesset plenum (photo credit: OLIVIER FITOUSSI/FLASH90)
Ben-Gvir stated that the true goal of the war is the collapse of Hamas, and that the deal proposed would distance Israel from its goal, as well as ‘rewarding terrorism.’
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw the “surrender framework,” referring to the US-backed hostage deal proposal, and “return to a framework of decisive victory” in a post on X/Twitter Saturday evening.
“The only path to decisive victory and the secure return of our hostages is the full conquest of the Gaza Strip, a complete halt to so-called ‘humanitarian’ aid, and the encouragement of emigration,” he added.
Ben-Gvir stated that the true goal of the war is the collapse of Hamas, and that the deal proposed would distance Israel from its goal, as well as ‘rewarding terrorism.’
He also stated that allowing large quantities of aid into Gaza would lead to the “resuscitation of Hamas.”
Ben-Gvir, Smotrich consistently oppose end to fighting
Ben-Gvir previously announced that he would not allow Hamas to continue ruling Gaza, even in exchange for the expansion of the Abraham Accords.
Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich attend a plenum session on forming the government, in the Israeli parliament, on December 29, 2022. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
“It is time to stop the slogging in the Strip and strive for a quick resolution of Hamas, which is the ultimate goal of the war,” he said, adding that Hamas must be eliminated and the “Gaza problem” should be solved by encouraging emigration.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated he would oppose any agreements that would include ending the fighting in Gaza in a press conference on Monday.
“I can tell you with all my heart that it won’t happen. I’m talking to Netanyahu about it, and I don’t get the impression that he’s on his way there,” Smotrich said.
“If anyone thinks about going there, they’ll meet a wall that won’t let them do it.”
