Israel’s Channel 12 reported that since Netanyahu’s return from his visit to Washington, he has been doing everything possible to prevent his government from collapsing, amid opposition from Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to ending the war.
According to the channel, Netanyahu’s main promise is that after the 60-day truce ends — if Hamas is not ready to disarm — Israel will launch its flagship project: the so-called “humanitarian city” in Rafah.
Netanyahu met last night with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and tried to convince him not to resign from the government if a ceasefire is reached.
The Israeli channel revealed what Netanyahu promised Smotrich: “After the ceasefire, we will move the population south and begin the siege.”
It said that Smotrich is determined to topple the government if he believes the war has truly ended. However, if there is even the slightest chance of resuming fighting after an agreement, he is likely to decide that it is better for him not to call for elections — believing that doing so would mean the war is certainly over.
For Smotrich — who has received seven promises from Netanyahu — this represents a dilemma. He faced a similar situation six months ago during the previous agreement, which he also opposed. At that time, Netanyahu promised him that after the truce, Israel would separate Gaza’s population from Hamas fighters, and the finance minister decided to stay, according to Smotrich.
The report added that Netanyahu understands this well and tried to convince Smotrich that this time will be different. The reason for this difference, he told him, is Iran. Netanyahu said: “I was busy with Iran until now; now I will make sure the army carries out my orders.”
In a security discussion held last week amid the fighting in the Gaza Strip, Netanyahu stated that he supports the siege strategy.
He told those present: “Everyone here knows that if they had not been abducted, everyone here would support destroying Gaza. We need a siege. And don’t tell me it won’t work — I am betting on its success with all my strength.”
