Israel not to withdraw from Gaza, even for hostage deal, official says

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has ruled out any withdrawal from territories captured by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) in Gaza, even in exchange for hostages, declaring that Israel is in Gaza "to stay."

“We are conquering Gaza to stay – there will be no more temporary manoeuvring. It’s time to stop fearing the word occupation.” he said at a press briefing in Jerusalem on May 5, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media. 

The minister described the IDF operation as a “deep and irreversible manoeuvre” aimed at dismantling Hamas and reasserting long-term Israeli control. He said all humanitarian aid entering Gaza would now be strictly managed to prevent it from reaching Hamas.

“We’re separating Hamas from the population, clearing the Strip, returning the hostages, and defeating Hamas,” Smotrich stated.

On the hostage crisis, Smotrich took a hardline stance, insisting that captured territory would not be traded for Israeli hostages. 

“Once a military operation begins, there’s no withdrawal from territories we’ve captured, not even in exchange for hostages. The only way to free the hostages is to defeat Hamas. Any withdrawal will bring back the next October 7,” he warned. 

He warned Hamas that harm to hostages would come at a severe cost, saying, “Hostages are harmed every moment they are held by Hamas. There will be a very heavy price.”

Smotrich also announced an additional $846 million in support for reservists, adding to the $2.54 billion previously allocated. The funding includes tax benefits, preferential treatment in land tenders, access to daycare, student housing, and university admissions.

“Those who serve – will receive much more,” he added.

When asked about the possibility of extending Israeli sovereignty over Gaza, Smotrich said such discussions could come after military objectives are achieved. 

“Once we conquer and stay, we can talk about sovereignty,” he said. “But I didn’t demand including this in the war objectives. First, we’ll defeat Hamas.”

Turning to Iran, Smotrich reiterated Israel’s longstanding position on Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. “We will not allow Iran to have nuclear weapons – period. How? When? By what means? It’s better to be silent about that. This is a historical and security commitment.”

By Sabina Mammadli