Israeli Minister’s Gaza Destruction Claim Ignites Global Fury

JERUSALEM — Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sparked global outrage with his provocative claim that Gaza will be "entirely destroyed" and its Palestinian residents forcibly displaced to other countries. Speaking at a conference on Jewish settlements in the West Bank, Smotrich, a prominent right-wing figure, outlined a vision of "victory" that includes clearing Gaza of Hamas and relocating civilians to a so-called humanitarian zone in the south, from which they would leave for third countries.

"Within a year, we’ll declare victory," Smotrich declared, according to Agence France-Presse. He insisted Israel would not relinquish control of captured territories, even in exchange for hostages, signaling a hardline stance that diverges from official government policy.

The remarks come amid escalating tensions, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government approved a controversial plan to seize and hold Gaza indefinitely. Dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariots, the strategy involves expanding Israeli control into southern Gaza, targeting Hamas’s grip on the region, and blocking the group’s access to humanitarian aid, which Israel claims fuels its operations. Netanyahu described the operation as "intensive" but framed the relocation of Palestinians to the south as a safety measure.

The plan, greenlit by Israeli Cabinet ministers, hinges on the failure of hostage negotiations before President Donald Trump’s visit to Israel on May 13. With Israel already controlling roughly half of Gaza, the operation would see a gradual push to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure while striking key targets. Smotrich emphasized weakening Hamas by ensuring it faces a "tired, hungry, and exhausted" enemy, deprived of external supplies.

Smotrich’s rhetoric has drawn sharp criticism for its inflammatory tone and apparent disregard for international humanitarian concerns, raising questions about the broader implications of Israel’s strategy in Gaza.