Israeli Minister Says 'We Will Stop Being Afraid Of The Word Occupation' As Army Approves Gaza Plan

Israel Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the country will not withdraw from the Gaza Strip even if the hostages are returned, calling on compatriots to embrace the word "occupation" after the army approved plans to take over the enclave.

Speaking to local TV networks Channel 12, Smotrich said "we are finally going to occupy the Gaza Strip" and "will stop being afraid of the word occupation."

"We are finally taking control of all humanitarian aid so it does not become supplies for Hamas. We are separating Hamas from the population, cleansing the Strip, returning the hostages and defeating Hamas," he added. "The only way to release the hostages is to subdue Hamas. Any retreat will bring about the next October 7."

Smotrich went on to anticipate a push to formally annex the territory in the future, saying "once we occupy and stay" in Gaza "we can talk about sovereignty."

Israel approved on Monday plans to completely take over the Gaza Strip and remain there indefinitely, pushing hundreds of thousands of people to the southern part of the enclave, likely exacerbating the humanitarian crisis taking place.

Israel halted the entry of all humanitarian aid to Gaza over two months ago since ending the ceasefire with Hamas, including food, water and fuel. Widespread hunger is being reported in Gaza and looting has increased as people scramble to find sustenance.

The army has begun calling tens of thousands of reserve troops to carry out the operation, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir said.

A senior defense official told The Times of Israel that the offensive will begin if no deal is reached by the end of an upcoming visit from U.S. President Donald Trump to the region, which will take place between May 13 and 16. Trump is set to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will visit Israel on May 12.

"A central component of the plan is the extensive evacuation of the entire Gazan population from combat zones, including from northern Gaza, to areas in southern Gaza, while creating separation between them and Hamas terrorists, in order to allow the IDF operational freedom of action," the official added, saying the plan also contemplates allowing Gazans to leave the enclave, "especially those concentrated in the south outside of Hamas control."