Israeli Minister Smotrich Vows to Starve Gaza, Push Palestinians Toward Exile

Watan-Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich vowed Monday to starve and destroy what remains of the Gaza Strip and to forcibly displace Palestinians from its south.

Speaking at a press conference, Smotrich declared:“As of yesterday, the army is operating with five divisions in Gaza, with a force we haven’t seen since the start of the war.”

He continued:“No more airstrikes and in-and-out raids. This is invasion, cleansing, and staying—until Hamas is destroyed.”

Smotrich, leader of the far-right Religious Zionism party, added:“Along the way, they will destroy what’s left of Gaza. This will bring victory, the destruction of Hamas, and the return of the hostages.”

He openly acknowledged population displacement as part of the military campaign:“As part of the war, the army is transferring residents (Palestinians) out of combat zones, leaving no stone unturned. The people will arrive in southern Gaza, and from there, they will be relocated to third countries as part of President Trump’s plan.”

Today marks the 79th consecutive day of Israel’s systematic starvation policy against Gaza’s 2.4 million residents, by blocking aid trucks stacked at the borders—plunging the territory into full-blown famine, already claiming numerous lives.

Commenting on Israel’s plans to allow limited humanitarian aid into Gaza on Monday, Smotrich said:
“In a few days, a U.S. civilian organization will begin operations in Gaza… distributing the bare minimum of food directly to civilians.”

He noted:“For two and a half months, we have not allowed any aid into Gaza. This created enormous pressure on Hamas. But now, things must be organized so it doesn’t blow up in our faces.”

Still insisting on starvation as a war strategy, Smotrich concluded:“What will be brought in over the coming days is little of very little.”