From Smotrich demands Israeli sovereignty in parts of West Bank, freezing out of PA as part of Trump peace plan
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleStav Levaton is a military reporter for The Times of Israel
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has laid out three key demands in relation to the Trump peace plan, Channel 12 reports.
The far-right minister reportedly insists there be no role for the Palestinian Authority in governing Gaza or the West Bank; that Hamas be completely dismantled and disarmed; and that Israel assert sovereignty over parts of the West Bank without recognizing a Palestinian state.
His remarks come as new details emerge about the latest American proposal for ending the war in Gaza. The 21-point plan, obtained by The Times of Israel, encourages Palestinians to remain in the Strip while creating a pathway toward a future Palestinian state. It also includes familiar elements from earlier initiatives, such as the release of all hostages within 48 hours and the removal of Hamas from power.
US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said Wednesday he expected a breakthrough related to Gaza in the coming days. Witkoff noted that Trump had presented his ideas during a meeting with Arab and Islamic countries on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly earlier this week.
Smotrich, who heads the Religious Zionism party, has long opposed Palestinian statehood and has pressed for extending Israeli sovereignty over parts of the West Bank and Gaza, where he has called for renewed Israeli settlement.
The Times of Israel Community.