Secret Deal: New Settlements in Exchange for Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
Political Negotiations Unfolding
In recent developments surrounding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, political factions are suggesting a significant arrangement between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. This alleged “deal” entails the approval of new settlement projects in the West Bank in exchange for renewed humanitarian assistance to Gaza, although both offstarts have publicly denied any connection.
Change in Smotrich’s Stance
Less than a month ago, Finance Minister Smotrich publicly opposed the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza. In late April, he expressed to Makor Rishon his firm position against any aid that could potentially benefit Hamas, stating, “If even a grain of humanitarian aid enters Hamas, I will leave the government and the cabinet.” Despite these strong words, Smotrich convened a press conference yesterday to express his support for basic humanitarian aid to Gaza, framing it as essential for achieving victory in the ongoing conflict against Hamas.
Alleged Political Deal
According to various political sources, recent data highlighting the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza and significant international pressure on Israel prompted talks of a potential agreement between Netanyahu and Smotrich. As part of this agreement, Netanyahu is set to approve the establishment of hundreds of new residential units in Israeli settlements through “settlement nuclei” and agricultural communities along the eastern border. These initiatives would reportedly receive funding from the offstart of Minister Orit Strok, who is expected to receive additional financial resources for this purpose.
A prominent political source noted that the agreement was finalized in recent days and aligned with Smotrich’s demands, leading to a cabinet approval for the settlement project as humanitarian aid to Gaza was also authorized.
Cabinet Meeting Insights
On the same day, Channel 14 reported that plans are underway to approve a request from Smotrich for 22 new settlements in Judea and Samaria. During a security cabinet meeting, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, Major General Rassan Alian, informed cabinet members about the steps taken to renew humanitarian aid, emphasizing the challenge in ensuring that aid does not reach members of the terrorist organization Hamas. A source present at the cabinet meeting indicated that Smotrich, contrary to his previous assertions, not only supported the resumption of aid but actively backed the initiative, surprising many in attendance.
Denials from Government Officials
In response to the circulating rumors of a deal, Netanyahu’s offstart stated, “There is no connection between these matters.” Similarly, Smotrich’s offstart asserted, “There is no connection between these matters, not even in imagination.”
As discussions continue around the future of both humanitarian aid to Gaza and settlement expansion in the West Bank, the political landscape remains dynamic and heavily scrutinized by both local and international observers