Ben Gvir Declares: "We're Close to Conquering Gaza and Evacuating a Million"
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir expressed full support for the security cabinet's decision and said he was one of the leading figures behind the decision to conquer Gaza and evacuate approximately one million residents.
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In a radio interview on Sunday, Ben Gvir emphasized that for several weeks, he and his team have been working to persuade Prime Minister Netanyahu to take this step. "It's working," he said.
Ben Gvir sharply criticized senior officials in the IDF who have expressed reservations about the operation: "Enough with the excuses. One says it will cost billions, another says it will take too long – just like in the police, you get an order and execute it. The military should act the same way."
When asked if he had lost faith in Netanyahu, he responded: "Netanyahu's actions will prove it. I’m not a Netanyahu supporter, but give him credit – he’s done many good things in Iran and the North. Now, let’s give him credit here as well."
The minister emphasized that the IDF is obligated to follow the orders of the political echelon: "We can argue in the room, the Chief of Staff has opinions – and that’s okay, but in the end, if the political echelon makes a decision, we move forward."
Regarding the future, Ben Gvir said: "The next step is to conquer the entire Gaza Strip, start encouraging emigration. This is real and serious, and we are getting closer. Now it depends on Netanyahu not stopping halfway." When asked about MK zvi Sukkot’s call for elections, Ben Gvir added, "Right now, there’s no need to withdraw if we go all the way with this decision. If Netanyahu stops or goes for reckless deals – that’s a different story."