Israel's Hall of Shame: All the false promises to block Gaza aid

The Cabinet's decision to allow aid to Hamas contradicts the promises of ministers and party leaders who repeatedly declared they would not allow food to enter Hamas territory.

Defense Minister Israel Katz had hinted at bringing in aid, but following criticism, he quickly clarified: "As I mentioned in my statement, Israel's policy is clear and no humanitarian aid is going to enter Gaza. Preventing humanitarian aid to Gaza is one of the main pressure tools that prevents Hamas from using this means against the population, in addition to other measures Israel is taking – and it's unfortunate that some are trying to mislead. No one is planning to bring any humanitarian aid into Gaza in the current reality, and we are not preparing to bring in any such aid. I emphasized that for the future, we need to build a mechanism for using civilian companies as a tool that will not allow Hamas access to this issue in the future as well."

Chairman of Religious Zionism party and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said in a faction meeting slightly less than a month ago: "Bringing in logistical aid that reaches Hamas is a step I will not be part of. Period!" he emphasized. "Continued military stagnation and bringing humanitarian aid to Hamas while our hostages are there – not an option."

In his concluding remarks, Smotrich addressed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying that "the Prime Minister is ultimately responsible. Starting a campaign to defeat Hamas, occupying Gaza and imposing temporary military rule until another solution is found, returning the hostages, and initiating the Trump plan – or this government has no right to exist."

Chairman of Jewish Power party and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir previously left the government over the previous hostage deal and the entry of aid trucks. This time he is more cautious and not threatening to resign, but while sitting in the opposition, he managed to submit a bill that would prohibit bringing humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The bill states: "It is proposed that the State of Israel will not be able to transfer humanitarian aid on its behalf or on behalf of others, in any form and way, to an area controlled by an enemy state or terrorist organization, as long as hostages are held in their territory."

Following the scathing criticism of this zigzag, the Prime Minister's spokesperson sent a message to close reporters while hiding behind the name "senior official," stating that this is a temporary measure.