Smotrich's Plan: North Gaza occupation until hostage release

Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich endorsed the idea of seizing and holding all of north Gaza until Hamas releases all the hostages at a meeting of the Religious Zionism Knesset faction today (Monday).

In his statement, Smotrich said that he was deeply affected by his visit to Kibbutz Nir Oz and his tour of the devastation there from October 7th, a visit which strengthened his resolve to bring back the hostages.

However, he stressed that any agreement being offered now would be a "surrender agreement" and that Israel must keep fighting until Hamas is eliminated. Smotrich said that Israel will not tolerate Hamas' continued rule, and to that end, the IDF must take control of the distribution of humanitarian aid and prevent Hamas from stealing and profitting from it.

The Finance Minister said in a direct appeal to the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and the Chief of Staff that the way to ensure the hostages return "healthy and whole" was to occupy all of northern Gaza and hold it "forever" unless the hostages are returned safely.

Although Smotrich did not mention a transfer of the population of north Gaza, his proposal is similar to what is known as the Eiland Plan to declare all of north Gaza a closed military zone, including a removal of the civilian population, to pressure Hamas into a deal favorable to Israel.