July 29, 2025
MEMO
Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s finance minister, during an interview in Tel Aviv, Israel on 5 December, 2024 [Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg via Getty Images]
Israel is “closer than ever” to reoccupying the Gaza Strip and rebuilding settlements there, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Tuesday, Anadolu reports.
“We are closer than ever to rebuilding Gush Katif,” Smotrich said at a conference in Yad Binyamin, central Israel.
Gush Katif, a bloc of 21 settlements in southern Gaza, was dismantled under then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s 2005 disengagement plan, which also saw the evacuation of four settlements in the northern West Bank.
“Where there are no settlements, there is no army; and where there is no army, there is no security,” the extremist minister said.
Gaza is “an inseparable part of the Land of Israel,” he claimed, calling for a larger and more expansive return than before 2005.
His comments came as the Israeli daily Haaretz reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented the Security Cabinet with a plan to seize parts of Gaza in stages, in a move aimed to prevent Smotrich from quitting the government after he threatened to resign over claims that Israel allowed humanitarian aid into the enclave.
READ: Israeli rights watchdogs say Israel committing genocide in Gaza
The plan would reportedly give the Palestinian group Hamas several days to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza or face an Israeli takeover of parts of the territory until the group surrendered. The paper, citing a senior Israeli official, said the proposal had received backing from the US administration.
The Israeli army, rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in Gaza since October 2023. The relentless bombardment has devastated the enclave and led to a severe hunger crisis.
On Monday, Israeli rights groups B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, citing the systematic destruction of Palestinian society and the deliberate dismantling of the territory’s healthcare system.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Netanyahu weighs Gaza land annexation plan as hostage talks stall
Two sources told ABC News that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering annexing parts of Gaza if Hamas rejects another hostage deal; Meanwhile, Hamas negotiators have left Doha for Istanbul amid a diplomatic deadlock
He emphasized, “We didn’t pay such a heavy price just to hand Gaza over from one Arab to another. Gaza is an inseparable part of the Land of Israel. I don’t want to go back to Gush Katif—that’s too small. We need something much bigger. Gaza now lets us think bigger.”
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich
Still, some believe the talk of annexation is likely part of a negotiation strategy to pressure Hamas into returning to the table. Earlier Tuesday, Yedioth Ahronoth reported that, despite the recent stalemate, mediators and senior Israeli officials still believe there’s a reasonable chance for a partial deal—involving the release of 10 live hostages and the bodies of 15 killed hostages.
One official deeply involved in the negotiations, who had previously expressed pessimism about the deal’s prospects, said: “The initial response wasn’t good, but the gaps aren’t that wide. This is really just about decision-making.” The source added, “Netanyahu definitely wants a deal and has no Plan B, but he also doesn’t want to keep a large delegation in Cairo or Doha doing nothing while Hamas refuses to budge. So they’re applying pressure by pulling the delegation.”
“The talks aren’t really collapsing,” the source said. “Both sides still want an agreement. It’s just a matter of choosing to get it done. But day after day passes, and the hostages remain in danger.”
Another senior defense official offered a more skeptical perspective, saying Netanyahu’s conduct leaves only one possible conclusion: “He has no intention of ending the war.” The source questioned the Biden administration’s support for a partial deal, arguing that previous agreements showed Hamas does not uphold its end. “If the 60-day cease-fire is likely to become permanent anyway, why not just start with a permanent one?”
The official further claimed Netanyahu is deliberately pushing for a limited deal because a comprehensive one would force him to declare an end to the war—something he’s unwilling to do. “If he really wanted to end this, it would be much simpler. We wouldn’t be arguing over things like 800 meters or 900 meters of buffer zones,” he said.
Another high-level security source added, “Netanyahu is preparing the ground for a return to fighting—maybe not full-scale warfare, but something resembling the current operations.” According to several senior officials, the prime minister will likely accuse Hamas of violating the cease-fire as a pretext to resume hostilities.
Two sources told ABC News that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering annexing parts of Gaza if Hamas rejects another hostage deal; Meanwhile, Hamas negotiators have left Doha for Istanbul amid a diplomatic deadlock
Yesterday | YNETNEWS
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a plan to annex parts of the Gaza Strip if Hamas again rejects a hostage and cease-fire agreement, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke Tuesday to ABC News.
“It’s one of several options on the table,” they said. Netanyahu also held another consultation on the hostage issue earlier in the day.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
(Photo: GPO)
At the same time, a Hamas official told AFP that the group’s negotiation team has left Doha and is heading to Istanbul to discuss recent developments, amid what the official described as a crisis in the talks. “The delegation, which includes Hamas’ deputy political chief Khalil al-Hayya, is leaving Doha for Istanbul,” the source said, adding that the terror group plans to hold meetings with Turkish officials regarding the breakdown in cease-fire negotiations last week.
In light of the annexation report, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich commented earlier Tuesday during a speech at the Katif Conference. He said that, for 20 years, the idea of returning to Gaza was considered “wishful thinking,” but claimed it is now a “realistic action plan.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a plan to annex parts of the Gaza Strip if Hamas again rejects a hostage and cease-fire agreement, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke Tuesday to ABC News.
“It’s one of several options on the table,” they said. Netanyahu also held another consultation on the hostage issue earlier in the day.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
(Photo: GPO)
At the same time, a Hamas official told AFP that the group’s negotiation team has left Doha and is heading to Istanbul to discuss recent developments, amid what the official described as a crisis in the talks. “The delegation, which includes Hamas’ deputy political chief Khalil al-Hayya, is leaving Doha for Istanbul,” the source said, adding that the terror group plans to hold meetings with Turkish officials regarding the breakdown in cease-fire negotiations last week.
In light of the annexation report, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich commented earlier Tuesday during a speech at the Katif Conference. He said that, for 20 years, the idea of returning to Gaza was considered “wishful thinking,” but claimed it is now a “realistic action plan.”
He emphasized, “We didn’t pay such a heavy price just to hand Gaza over from one Arab to another. Gaza is an inseparable part of the Land of Israel. I don’t want to go back to Gush Katif—that’s too small. We need something much bigger. Gaza now lets us think bigger.”
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich
Still, some believe the talk of annexation is likely part of a negotiation strategy to pressure Hamas into returning to the table. Earlier Tuesday, Yedioth Ahronoth reported that, despite the recent stalemate, mediators and senior Israeli officials still believe there’s a reasonable chance for a partial deal—involving the release of 10 live hostages and the bodies of 15 killed hostages.
One official deeply involved in the negotiations, who had previously expressed pessimism about the deal’s prospects, said: “The initial response wasn’t good, but the gaps aren’t that wide. This is really just about decision-making.” The source added, “Netanyahu definitely wants a deal and has no Plan B, but he also doesn’t want to keep a large delegation in Cairo or Doha doing nothing while Hamas refuses to budge. So they’re applying pressure by pulling the delegation.”
“The talks aren’t really collapsing,” the source said. “Both sides still want an agreement. It’s just a matter of choosing to get it done. But day after day passes, and the hostages remain in danger.”
Another senior defense official offered a more skeptical perspective, saying Netanyahu’s conduct leaves only one possible conclusion: “He has no intention of ending the war.” The source questioned the Biden administration’s support for a partial deal, arguing that previous agreements showed Hamas does not uphold its end. “If the 60-day cease-fire is likely to become permanent anyway, why not just start with a permanent one?”
The official further claimed Netanyahu is deliberately pushing for a limited deal because a comprehensive one would force him to declare an end to the war—something he’s unwilling to do. “If he really wanted to end this, it would be much simpler. We wouldn’t be arguing over things like 800 meters or 900 meters of buffer zones,” he said.
Another high-level security source added, “Netanyahu is preparing the ground for a return to fighting—maybe not full-scale warfare, but something resembling the current operations.” According to several senior officials, the prime minister will likely accuse Hamas of violating the cease-fire as a pretext to resume hostilities.
Israel summons Dutch ambassador over travel ban on far-right Israeli ministers
The Netherlands bans Bezalel Smotrich, Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering country over their calls for ethnic cleansing in Gaza
Betul Yilmaz |29.07.2025 - TRT/AA
ISTANBUL
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar summoned the Dutch ambassador on Tuesday over her country’s travel ban on two far-right Israeli government ministers, local media said.
On Monday, the Netherlands declared Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir persona non grata over their repeated calls for ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip.
Israel’s public broadcaster KAN said Saar summoned Dutch Ambassador Mireille Schuurman for a meeting at 5 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) to reprimand her over her country’s decision.
Ben-Gvir has repeatedly demanded a “full siege” on Gaza and starving civilians there. Smotrich, meanwhile, has called for reoccupying Gaza and reducing its Palestinian population, saying Israel should "stop being afraid of the word occupation.” Their rhetoric has been widely condemned as incitement to violence and genocide.
Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza for 18 years and, since March 2, has shut down all crossings, blocking humanitarian aid and creating famine-like conditions among the territory’s 2.4 million population.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 147 people have died of starvation since October 2023, including 88 children.
Israel has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in a brutal assault on the Gaza Strip since October 2023.
On Monday, Israeli rights groups B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHRI) accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, citing the systematic destruction of Palestinian society and the deliberate dismantling of the territory’s healthcare system.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
The Netherlands bans Bezalel Smotrich, Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering country over their calls for ethnic cleansing in Gaza
Betul Yilmaz |29.07.2025 - TRT/AA
ISTANBUL
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar summoned the Dutch ambassador on Tuesday over her country’s travel ban on two far-right Israeli government ministers, local media said.
On Monday, the Netherlands declared Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir persona non grata over their repeated calls for ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip.
Israel’s public broadcaster KAN said Saar summoned Dutch Ambassador Mireille Schuurman for a meeting at 5 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) to reprimand her over her country’s decision.
Ben-Gvir has repeatedly demanded a “full siege” on Gaza and starving civilians there. Smotrich, meanwhile, has called for reoccupying Gaza and reducing its Palestinian population, saying Israel should "stop being afraid of the word occupation.” Their rhetoric has been widely condemned as incitement to violence and genocide.
Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza for 18 years and, since March 2, has shut down all crossings, blocking humanitarian aid and creating famine-like conditions among the territory’s 2.4 million population.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 147 people have died of starvation since October 2023, including 88 children.
Israel has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in a brutal assault on the Gaza Strip since October 2023.
On Monday, Israeli rights groups B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHRI) accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, citing the systematic destruction of Palestinian society and the deliberate dismantling of the territory’s healthcare system.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
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