Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s far-right finance minister, made controversial remarks during a conference in the West Bank settlement of Ofra, declaring that the Gaza Strip would be "entirely destroyed." Speaking at the event, Smotrich stated: “Gaza will be completely destroyed. Civilians will be relocated to a humanitarian zone in the south, free of Hamas and terrorism, and from there, they will begin to leave in large numbers to third countries.” The minister, a key figure in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fragile coalition, has previously opposed any Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, even in

Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s far-right finance minister, made controversial remarks during a conference in the West Bank settlement of Ofra, declaring that the Gaza Strip would be "entirely destroyed." Speaking at the event, Smotrich stated: “Gaza will be completely destroyed. Civilians will be relocated to a humanitarian zone in the south, free of Hamas and terrorism, and from there, they will begin to leave in large numbers to third countries.” The minister, a key figure in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fragile coalition, has previously opposed any Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, even in the context of a potential hostage deal. He also expressed hope that Gaza would be officially annexed during the current government's term, which is expected to last until late next year. Such an annexation would violate international law, including the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the acquisition of territory through military force. Smotrich is known for his hardline views and has referred to the West Bank—which has been under Israeli occupation since 1967—as the biblical heartland of the Jewish people. He labeled the annexation of the West Bank as “one of the most important challenges” facing Israeli leadership. The West Bank is home to approximately three million Palestinians and nearly 490,000 Israeli settlers living in settlements considered illegal under international law, excluding Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem. In a separate interview with Channel 12 during the Besheva newspaper’s right-wing conference, Smotrich called on Israelis to “embrace the word ‘occupation.’” His comments follow the Israeli security cabinet’s recent decision to escalate military operations in Gaza. According to an Israeli official, the plan includes “the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of the territories.”

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