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Smotrich: Israel should be assassinating Hamas leaders, not negotiating with them

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the government's negotiation strategy with Hamas, advocating for assassination instead.
  • Smotrich also called for full Israeli control and settlement in Gaza, stating Netanyahu's goals were incomplete.
  • Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly finds advancing a US-backed Gaza plan "problematic" due to upcoming elections, though working groups on disarmament and public health have been agreed upon.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has sharply criticized the government's approach to Hamas, arguing that leaders should be assassinated rather than negotiated with. He commended Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "resolute stance" on Gaza disarmament but deemed the stated goal of destroying Hamas incompatible with ongoing talks.

Smotrich further asserted that Netanyahu's objectives for Gaza were only "halfway there." He explicitly called for full Israeli control of the territory, including the establishment of Israeli settlements, a move not currently part of the stated plan.

conducting negotiations with Hamas leaders, who should not be alive at all.

— Bezalel SmotrichSmotrich expressed his view that Hamas leaders should be eliminated, not engaged in talks.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly described advancing a US-backed Gaza plan, including disarming Hamas, as "problematic" due to the approaching Knesset elections in October. This stance was reported by CNN following meetings with US envoy Jared Kushner and other officials from the Board of Peace.

Despite Netanyahu's reported reservations, the Prime Minister's Office stated that discussions with the Board of Peace were "deep and constructive." Two working groups have been established: one focused on Gaza disarmament and demilitarization, and another on sanitation and public health issues for Gaza's residents.

Netanyahu: Advancing Trump's Gaza plan is 'problematic'

— Benjamin NetanyahuThis headline reflects Netanyahu's reported concerns about moving forward with the US plan due to elections.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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