From the Liveblog of
Monday, September 9, 2024
Smotrich says IDF refusing to handle aid for Gaza, thereby empowering Hamas
Sam Sokol is the Times of Israel's political correspondent. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich accuses the army of having “insisted for months on not taking responsibility for humanitarian aid” in Gaza, asserting that giving up control over such assistance allows Hamas to retain power in the coastal territory.
Accusing IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi of failing to implement plans dating back to December, the far-right minister tells Kan radio that “Hamas uses its civilian control in the Strip and maintains its power; we must make sure that the humanitarian aid reaches civilians.”
Turning to the negotiations for a ceasefire/hostage-return deal, Smotrich says that “there is no deal on the table” and the anti-government protests calling for a deal are “exactly what [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar wants.”
“We are making every effort to bring them back alive…I hope we will succeed as much as possible but I cannot make a commitment. I will not commit collective suicide for this.”
