Israeli Minister Smotrich: We will stop fighting only when Palestinians leave Gaza

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has made a strong and clear statement regarding Israel's stance on the conflict in the Gaza Strip, stressing that military operations will not stop until the Palestinians leave the territory. According to him, this is one of the main prerequisites for achieving peace and stability in the region.

Speaking about broader threats in the Middle East, Smotrich also focused on the Lebanese organization Hezbollah, which he described as a major threat to Israel's security, writes timesofisrael.

He stated that Israel's objective is for Hezbollah to suffer a deep defeat, which would nullify its ability to threaten the country's northern borders. Along the same lines, the minister said that Iran must remain completely disarmed of nuclear capabilities, emphasizing that stopping Tehran's nuclear program is vital for global peace.

Smotrich added that the return of Israeli hostages still in the hands of Palestinian organizations is another essential condition for stopping the fighting. He stressed that the Israeli government is committed to returning each of them alive and safely to their homeland.

"We will continue to discuss with each other – about political plans, about recruitment issues, about identity issues, as well as about economic issues. These are part of a healthy democratic debate. But there can be no disagreement when it comes to the need to destroy the enemy. On this point, we must be united," the minister said.

The statements come at a time of high tensions in the region, with ongoing developments on the battlefield and complicated international diplomacy.

Smotrich is one of the most vocal voices in the Israeli government for a tough approach to security issues and an uncompromising policy towards Israel's opponents. /Telegraph/