Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich emphasized the need to eliminate the hundreds of terrorists on the Israeli side of Gaza's Yellow Line in Rafah, stating that Israeli forces are close to eliminating them in the tunnels, during a Wednesday morning interview on public broadcaster KAN News's The Kalman Liberman Show.
"We need to eliminate the 200 terrorists stuck in Rafah. We're close to killing them in the tunnels," he said.
He went on to explain that Hamas has already agreed to return the body of IDF soldier Hadar Goldin and that releasing terrorists in exchange would be unacceptable.
Smotrich also rejected a reported proposal to allow “safe passage” for the roughly 200 Hamas operatives to Hamas-controlled territory from the Israeli side of the Yellow Line in exchange for the return of the bodies of hostages.
“Under no circumstances will we pay with another 200 terrorists,” Smotrich said. “Returning them would be a betrayal of the fallen soldiers. I've been saying this to the prime minister, the chief of staff, and the defense minister, don’t dare to do this.”
A multinational force in Gaza
Additionally, Smotrich addressed ongoing discussions about deploying a multinational force in Gaza. He said that Israel is working on a “detailed agreement” to ensure full coordination and veto rights.
“We are now building a very detailed agreement to ensure there will be no Indonesians, etc., wandering around our feet,” he said.
Regarding the United States’ involvement in efforts to stabilize Gaza, Smotrich said that Israel would continue to cooperate but maintain its independence. “We need to consider the US president, but we can also say ‘no’ to him,” he said.
“Right now, the Americans are leading the process and have taken full responsibility for the event. I think the chances are low they will succeed in dismantling Hamas, but I hope they will.”
Smotrich also commented on criticism of Attorney Itai Ofir’s appointment as the new Military Advocate General, calling him “an excellent appointment.”
He said, “Those who criticized the appointment haven’t met him and don’t know who he is. I met a very serious and professional person. He is the right man at the right time and place.”
Netanyahu stresses no safe passage for Hamas terrorists without disarming
Despite the finance minister’s views, the IDF will not block a potential deal allowing 200 Hamas terrorists in Gaza's Yellow Line buffer zone to return to Rafah if they disarm.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that no Hamas terrorists would be allowed safe passage without the promise of disarmament.
“The Prime Minister continues his firm stance of disarming Hamas and demilitarizing the Strip while thwarting terrorist threats against our forces,” the statement said.
Yonah Jeremy Bob and Amichai Stein contributed to this article.