A heated debate ensued during the security cabinet meeting on Tuesday on the topic of the distribution of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
Defense Minister Israel Katz told the ministers that aid would not enter in the same methods as previously.
“It strengthens Hamas. Aid will be distributed by IDF soldiers or American companies”.
IDF Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir quickly responded that “IDF soldiers will not distribute humanitarian aid, and we will not starve the Gaza Strip.”
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich asked, “What do you mean? You follow orders. The IDF doesn’t choose its own missions. If you’re saying you’re incapable of appointing someone, then you can be replaced”.
Katz also said with regard to the aid, “There is no need for aid to Gaza because there is enough supply in Gaza. In the future, I oppose any aid that will be linked to Hamas or that will reach Hamas, assist them, and be used as a weapon to control the population and build terror infrastructure against IDF soldiers.”
A statement issued by a diplomatic source said on Wednesday that “No decision has been made regarding the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.”
“The political echelon has instructed the defense establishment and the IDF to deny Hamas control over any humanitarian aid in any situation that may develop,” the statement added.
Smotrich slams Bar
Smotrich, who stated he would not participate in discussion and meeting with the head of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) Ronen Bar due to his refusal to leave his post after the government’s decision to remove him, told Bar when he interjected in one of the discussions during the cabinet meeting: “I don’t understand — is there no speaking order here? What is this outburst? There’s a set agenda.
“He’ll have time to speak under the protection of the High Court — people can’t just interrupt whenever they feel like it.” Smotrich also exited the meeting during Bar’s remarks.
On Wednesday, Smotrich addressed the debate at the cabinet meeting, noting, “Managing the civilian effort in Gaza in a way that does not reach Hamas was and remains the most critical component for defeating Hamas and achieving victory in the war.”
The minister added his complaints were not directed at Zamir but rather at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “for not enforcing the implementation of the government’s policy on the IDF.”
“Introducing logistical aid that reaches Hamas is a step I will not be part of. Period,” Smotrich said.
Opposition head Yair Lapid referred to the heated discussion that occurred during the meeting in a Wendesday post on X/Twitter. “It’s time to face the facts: this government is incapable of winning the war,” Lapid wrote, adding that government ministers were now attacking a chief of staff of their choosing, creating conflicts in the cabinet.
אז עכשיו שרי הממשלה תוקפים גם את “הרמטכ”ל ההתקפי” החדש שהם בחרו, מייצרים עימותים בקבינט ורצים לספר לחבר’ה. הגיע הזמן להכיר בעובדות: הממשלה הזו לא מסוגלת לנצח במלחמה. היה להם שנה וחצי, קיבלו גב מלא מהאמריקאים, גב מלא מהאופוזיציה, והתירוצים נגמרו. אין ביידן, אין הרצי, אין גלנט -…
— יאיר לפיד – Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) April 23, 2025
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