Egypt Daily News – Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich made a controversial statement on Tuesday, declaring that Israel will not stop its war unless several extreme objectives are achieved. These include the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from Gaza, the eradication of Hamas, the dismantling of Syria, and the complete removal of Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
In a speech given on Israel’s Memorial Day, Smotrich addressed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly, saying, “Mr. Prime Minister, this is the time to change the history of the State of Israel and the people of Israel,” according to the Palestinian news agency Ma’an.
He outlined his vision for ending the current conflict, saying:
“We will conclude this battle with Syria dismantled, Hezbollah dealt a severe blow, Iran stripped of its nuclear threat, Gaza cleansed of Hamas, and hundreds of thousands of Gaza’s residents on their way to other countries. The hostages will have returned some to their homes, others to their graves in the land of Israel and Israel will emerge from this phase stronger and more prosperous,” he claimed.
Smotrich emphasized that “there should be no debate when it comes to the annihilation of the enemy. We are approaching decisive moments.” He added that these goals are not merely those of a particular government, but reflect a “national consensus among a people yearning for life.”
He described the situation as “the final image of a battle imposed upon us,” calling it a moral imperative and part of a historical struggle, saying, “This is the legacy of our fallen soldiers. You did not go to battle in vain, you went to defend Israel, to bring our brothers and sisters home, and to take part in a national revival that has never ceased.”
While acknowledging that internal debates on political plans, conscription, identity, and economics would continue, Smotrich insisted that “when it comes to annihilating the enemy, there must be no disagreement.”
He concluded with a message to Netanyahu:
“Mr. Prime Minister, this is the hour to change the history of the State of Israel and the people of Israel. The government and the entire people of Israel will be behind you in taking every possible step to secure Israel’s safety. You, and we, do not have a mandate to miss this opportunity,” according to the Palestinian news agency Samaa.
