Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich issues a fiery call to finish Hamas, impose Israeli military rule over Gaza, and declare full sovereignty over Judea and Samaria before September.
At the Vision Conference on Thursday evening, hosted by the Yesha Council and the Tkuma movement, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich delivered a blistering speech setting out his uncompromising vision for Israel’s future in Judea and Samaria, its Gaza war policy, and its response to international political pressure.
Standing before a charged audience, Smotrich warned that Israel is at a historic crossroads:
“Either we continue until victory, or we succumb to fatigue and external pressures,” he declared, turning directly to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “History will not forgive you if you hesitate at the moment of truth. You have been given a mobilized nation — do not disappoint it.”
‘No More Half Measures’
The finance minister lashed out at left-wing protests and media campaigns, accusing them of emboldening Hamas and undermining efforts to free the hostages.
“This is over — there will be no more negotiations for a partial deal,” he vowed.
Smotrich called on the IDF to launch a total offensive in Gaza:
“Kill all the terrorists, destroy all terror infrastructure above and below ground, and establish military governance in the Strip.”
From Strategic Ambiguity to Decisive Leadership
In a pointed challenge to Netanyahu, Smotrich demanded absolute clarity:
“Decide if you are Saul or David. Saul left the stage. David, King of Israel, lives and endures.”
He insisted that hesitation at this stage would squander the opportunity for a decisive victory.
Full Sovereignty Over Judea & Samaria by September
Smotrich ended with his signature demand — formal annexation of Judea and Samaria:
“After two and a half years of de facto sovereignty, it is time for de jure sovereignty. By September, there will be no Palestinian entity left for anyone to recognize. There will be no Palestinian state — because there will be nothing to recognize.”
The minister argued that only a unilateral and resolute move can neutralize foreign diplomatic threats and secure Israel’s long-term security.
With this speech, Smotrich positioned himself as the loudest voice in government pushing for total military victory in Gaza and irreversible annexation in the West Bank — setting up a direct political challenge to any form of compromise with the Palestinians or the international community.
