Israel's finance minister advocates for Gaza occupation after Hamas war

In a recent statement made in Jerusalem, Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s Finance Minister, outlined his belief that the Gaza Strip must be occupied following the recent conflict with Hamas. Speaking at a conference organized by the Yesha Council, Smotrich emphasized that the idea of occupying Gaza is both 'possible and necessary.' He indicated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) should take responsibility for the civilian administration of Gaza as a non-negotiable condition arising from the conflict. This statement reflects a broader strategy to maintain security and eliminate the threats posed by Hamas. Smotrich also commented on the financial implications of such an occupation, dismissing estimates of around 5 billion shekels ($1.4 billion) as exaggerated and nonsensical. He asserted that the cost of not addressing the threat of Hamas rearming would be significantly greater. Citing prior conflict expenses of around 250 billion shekels ($68.5 billion) over the past year, he argued that managing Gaza's occupation costs could be amortized over many years. His stance reflects a commitment to prioritize Israel's security over financial concerns. Furthermore, Smotrich suggested encouraging voluntary migration of Gazans to reduce the population, proposing that it might be plausible to halve the population in a couple of years. His remarks were made with an eye towards the political landscape, suggesting that the upcoming U.S. administration presents a unique opportunity for Israeli policy, particularly with Republicans expected to capture the White House and Congress. He stressed the importance of careful decision-making to navigate this sensitive period without incurring irreversible political damages, especially regarding decisions made in the U.N. Security Council. The backdrop for Smotrich's remarks is a tense security situation following the recent war with Hamas, a group considered by many in the Israeli government to be a significant threat. The Israeli public has been polarized over military strategies and the fate of Gaza, particularly after ongoing conflicts that have brought destruction and humanitarian crises to both sides. Smotrich's comments may suggest a shift in Israel's approach to both military action and its long-term strategies for Gaza's governance, reflecting ongoing debates within the Israeli leadership about how to handle the complex realities in the region.