"Scandalous Gaza remarks from the Israeli Finance Minister"

Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich made controversial statements regarding Gaza at a conference organized by the Yesha Council, an organization representing illegal settlers in the occupied West Bank.

According to reports in the Israeli press, Smotrich, who called for the occupation of Gaza, stated, "Israel can and should occupy Gaza. We should not be afraid of the word occupation." He argued that Israel should "encourage voluntary migration" for Palestinians to leave Gaza, claiming that "the population of Gaza can be reduced to less than half of its current size within two years." Smotrich expressed that this so-called "voluntary migration" could serve as a "model for the West Bank."

"THE ISRAELI ARMY WILL NEED TO BE IN GAZA"

Smotrich, who stated that the Israeli army needs to remain in Gaza, said, "The Israeli army will need to be there to ensure security, prevent Gaza from rearming and becoming a threat to Israeli citizens, and to oversee civilian affairs during this process."

HAD PREVIOUSLY CALLED FOR OCCUPATION

Smotrich, who often draws criticism for his extremist views, recently stated that "the northern part of Gaza should be completely occupied." He suggested, "We must tell Hamas that if they do not return the hostages, we will stay there forever, and it will cost a third of Gaza's territory."