Ben Gafir Calls on Smotrich to Thwart Ceasefire Deal in Gaza

Israeli Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gafir, renewed his call yesterday, Thursday, July 3, to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, considering any attempt to reach a ceasefire agreement a "serious mistake".

Ben Gafir emphasized to the Israeli Army Radio that the goal should be a "complete victory", stressing the need to stop humanitarian aid and encourage emigration from the Strip.

In separate statements to the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation, Ben Gafir stated that he does not support a prisoner exchange deal or ceasefire with Hamas, describing it as "reckless".

He also called on Finance Minister Smotrich to join him in confronting the potential agreement, emphasizing the "historic opportunity" to achieve a comprehensive victory in Gaza and weaken the Hamas movement.

In a related context, sources close to Smotrich denied any official request from Ben Gafir for a joint meeting, confirming that the discussion has not gone beyond a media briefing about a meeting that has not yet been scheduled, and emphasizing the importance of the hostages' lives and not manipulating them in the media.

This escalation comes amid escalating international and regional calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, as US President Donald Trump affirmed on Tuesday that he would be "very firm" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their upcoming meeting, urging Hamas to accept a two-month truce after Israel agrees to its conditions.