Smotrich calls for the siege of Gaza's residents until their surrender or death by starvation.

In controversial statements, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for strict measures against the residents of the Gaza Strip, suggesting cutting off water and electricity as a means to pressure them into surrendering. This came during a discussion in a ministerial session that included Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and military leaders, where the plan to occupy the city of Gaza was addressed.

During the meeting, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir expressed concern over the inability to set a timeline for evacuating nearly a million civilians from the Gaza Strip, noting that the army does not guarantee cooperation from the residents in carrying out the orders. In this context, Smotrich's response was firm, emphasizing the necessity of starving the population until they surrender.

Netanyahu and the Minister of Defense did not intervene in the ongoing discussion, but they confirmed that the American support provided by President Donald Trump is not open-ended, and that he does not wish for a prolonged war. These statements reflect the increasing tensions in the region and the international pressure on the occupation.

In a related context, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced his approval of the army's plans to occupy the city of Gaza, which include heavy bombardment and the displacement of Palestinians. Katz affirmed that these plans aim to defeat Hamas, warning that the city would face a fate similar to Rafah and Beit Hanoun.

Katz also indicated that the Israeli army would employ a scorched earth policy against Gaza, which is home to over a million Palestinians. He stressed that conditions would deteriorate if Hamas does not agree to the terms of the occupation, including the release of all prisoners and disarmament.

Currently, three military units are operating in the Gaza Strip, and 60,000 reservists have been called up to report to their units on September 2nd. This call-up indicates a potential escalation in military operations against Gaza, as regular forces will be deployed there to participate in the plan to occupy the city.