Far-Right Ministers Push for Gaza Occupation
In a controversial editorial, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz has reported that two far-right ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, are advocating for the occupation and settlement of Gaza. Their proposal includes transferring the responsibility of humanitarian aid in Gaza to the Israeli army, a move that critics argue contradicts Israel's stated objectives in the ongoing conflict and jeopardizes its international standing.
A Dangerous Agenda
Haaretz describes the agenda of Smotrich and Ben-Gvir as dangerous, highlighting that it poses significant risks to the Israeli state and its relationship with the global community. The editorial emphasizes that the ministers view the current conflict as a historic opportunity to expand Jewish settlements, a sentiment that reportedly resonates with Netanyahu. However, this position is met with opposition from key military and intelligence leaders, including Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, who warn that such a strategy could endanger Israeli soldiers and require substantial financial and military resources.
Call for Palestinian Governance
The editorial also urges the Israeli government to collaborate with international allies to support a Palestinian alternative to govern Gaza, specifically advocating for the Palestinian Authority's leadership. Haaretz warns against any measures that would strengthen military rule in Gaza, asserting that temporary governance often leads to permanent complications and settler exploitation. The newspaper's stance reflects a broader concern about the implications of far-right policies on the future of Israeli-Palestinian relations.
