Tensions flare in Netanyahu’s cabinet over humanitarian aid and Gaza strategy

The newspaper Yisrael Hayom disclosed on Tuesday that Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich harshly criticized Internal Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, calling him a “criminal” who is seeking to topple the cabinet.

The report states that tensions, conflicts, and disagreements within the ruling coalition are escalating daily, with the recent decision to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza further fueling these disputes.

In this context, Smotrich accused Ben-Gvir of leaking and publicizing information from cabinet discussions regarding humanitarian aid, branding him a criminal for doing so. According to Smotrich, Ben-Gvir is engaging in populist actions to gain support from right-wing voters in upcoming elections.

Smotrich further admitted that the plan Israel is currently implementing to authorize and distribute food in Gaza was initially set to be carried out during Herzi Halevi’s tenure, but it is now being advanced by his successor, Eyal Zamir—a mission that is not easy and sometimes more challenging than the war itself.

He also revealed that the Americans have not changed their stance, and Trump, despite all his claims, continues to push for the forced displacement of Gaza’s residents and supports Israel in achieving this goal.

The Israeli Finance Minister also acknowledged that despite all the conflicts and warfare in the Gaza Strip, Hamas continues to insist on its position regarding a prisoner exchange in the context of achieving a ceasefire.