Smotrich Rejects Hamas Talks, Says War Aims at Total Elimination Through Gaza Occupation
Israeli Finance Minister Yair Smotrich declared that the government will not pursue any dialogue track with Hamas leaders, emphasizing that the primary goal of the military campaign in Gaza is the total elimination of the movement. He made the statement at a press conference in Tel Aviv, rejecting any negotiations that could complicate Israel's strategic plans.
Statement details
Smotrich explained that eradicating Hamas is possible only through a comprehensive Israeli control over the Strip, including the establishment of new settlements and the pursuit of the movement’s leaders everywhere. He added that any political settlement would delay security objectives and revive armed factions.
Background
The stance appears amid growing international pressure to start talks aimed at ending the conflict, yet the Israeli cabinet, led by National Security Advisor Benjamin Netanyahu, continues to focus on expanding military operations inside Gaza.
The future remains uncertain, but Smotrich stressed that any policy shift must first secure actual territorial control and weaken Hamas’s organizational structure.
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