Smotrich Vows to Bury Palestinian Statehood, Praises Trump’s Plan
Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has vowed to eliminate the prospect of a Palestinian state. He welcomed former US President Donald Trump’s plan, calling it the “real response” to the military operation of October 7, 2023.
Smotrich declared that those who “lost their land” will never regain it. He warned that the coming phase will focus on “burying the dangerous idea of a Palestinian state once and for all.” His comments reflect growing political support in Israel for erasing Palestinian national aspirations.
His statements come as Israel escalates its attacks on Gaza and the West Bank. The military continues to displace Palestinians, destroy infrastructure, and tighten its grip on occupied territory.
On Monday, Trump called for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and suggested that the US should occupy the Palestinian territory. He claimed that Palestinians have “no choice” but to leave their homeland. His remarks align with Israel’s actions over the past 15 months, during which it has waged a campaign of ethnic cleansing in Gaza. Similar attacks have now begun in the West Bank.
A 15-year-old Palestinian was shot and killed by Israeli forces during a military raid in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus on Thursday, marking the fifth Palestinian killed by Israeli forces and settlers in three days amid a surge in attacks.
Three Palestinians were killed in an Israeli strike targeting a vehicle in central Gaza on Thursday, including two civil defense workers, in another breach of the so-called ceasefire agreement amid continued daily attacks.
Israeli soldiers have been looting large amounts of civilian property from homes and businesses in southern Lebanon during the recent assault, according to a Haaretz report. The looting is widespread among Israeli forces, with similar incidents previously reported in Syria, Gaza, and during the previous assault in Lebanon.