Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that "the war must not end without a complete defeat of Hamas and its removal from the Gaza Strip."
In a post on X, Smotrich addressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement, writing, "Mr. Prime Minister, your statement tonight that this war must end in victory has significance, and it is to change the method of war," which he said was going for a "full occupation of the Gaza Strip" and not being "afraid of a military government if necessary." He underlined the need to "destroy Hamas and to ensure that Gaza does not pose a threat to the State of Israel." He added that this was the only way to "ensure security and this is the way to return the kidnapped quickly."
Earlier this week, the finance minister stated that Israel will not "end the war without complete victory," adding that the time has come to implement United States President Donald Trump's plan for the Gaza Strip.
