ISLAMABAD: Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has issueda stark declaration on the future of Gaza, asserting that Hamas faces atwo-month ultimatum to disarm under the oversight of US President DonaldTrump’s Board of Peace. Speaking to the Israeli newspaper Makor Rishon,Smotrich emphasized that Israel’s military campaign will persist untilHamas is eradicated in all forms—militarily, civically, and governmentally.He claimed Israeli forces already control over half of the Gaza Strip,describing the current phase as focused on disarmament, which he regrettedhad not started earlier. No immediate response emerged from the Board ofPeace regarding these assertions, highlighting tensions in the fragilepostwar framework.
Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared on Mondaythat Hamas would receive a two-month ultimatum to fully disarm, issuedthrough US President Donald Trump’s newly established Board of Peace,according to reports citing Israeli media. This statement underscores thehardline stance within Israel’s coalition government amid ongoingimplementation of a US-brokered ceasefire plan aimed at ending prolongedconflict in Gaza. Smotrich insisted that the war would not conclude untilHamas is completely destroyed, eliminating its military capabilities,civilian influence, and any governing role in the territory.
The remarks, carried by the local newspaper Makor Rishon, reflectSmotrich’s consistent position that Israel’s primary war objective remainsthe total dismantlement of Hamas. He reiterated a commitment made byIsraeli leadership, framing it as non-negotiable. The absence of animmediate comment from the Board of Peace suggests potential divergences ininterpreting the postwar transition, where the body—chaired by Trump andendorsed by a UN Security Council resolution—oversees disarmament,reconstruction, and governance reforms in Gaza.
Smotrich further asserted that Israeli forces now control more than half ofthe Gaza Strip and dominate security dynamics across the enclave. Heportrayed this dominance as comprehensive, enabling a shift to the secondphase of the ceasefire agreement, which prioritizes disarmament. Expressingregret that this phase had not commenced three months earlier, he implieddelays had prolonged the conflict and complicated efforts to neutralizeHamas infrastructure and leadership.
The Board of Peace, launched as part of Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to Endthe Gaza Conflict, functions as a multinational oversight mechanism withTrump holding chairmanship and significant authority. Comprisingrepresentatives from numerous countries including Israel, Egypt, Qatar,Turkey, and others, it coordinates the transition from active hostilitiesto stabilization, including the deployment of an internationalstabilization force and establishment of interim Palestinianadministration. UN Resolution 2803 formalized its role for a limited periodfocused on Gaza.
Smotrich’s comments arrive against a backdrop of internal Israeli divisionsover the ceasefire’s phases. While the first phase involved hostagereleases and partial Israeli withdrawals, the second emphasizes Hamas’sdemilitarization and broader security handovers. Far-right figures likeSmotrich have previously criticized elements of the plan, includinginternational involvement, arguing it compromises Israel’s securityinterests and long-term control over Gaza’s future.
Hamas has not publicly responded to the reported ultimatum, though itsposition has historically rejected unilateral disarmament absent guaranteesfor Palestinian rights and statehood. The group’s armed wing maintainspresence in parts of Gaza despite Israeli claims of territorial dominance,complicating disarmament enforcement. Analysts note that any ultimatum’ssuccess would depend on coordinated pressure from the Board of Peacemembers, many of whom maintain diplomatic ties with Palestinian factions.
The statement highlights broader geopolitical shifts following Trump’sreturn to office, with his administration pushing a 20-point roadmap thatincludes Gaza’s reconstruction under international supervision whileprioritizing Israel’s security concerns. The Board’s formation in Davos andrapid endorsements reflect efforts to bypass traditional UN-led processes,though some nations have declined participation amid concerns oversovereignty and impartiality.
Israeli military assessments indicate significant degradation of Hamascapabilities since the conflict’s escalation, with control over key areasenabling targeted operations. Smotrich’s assertion of over 50 percentterritorial dominance aligns with reports estimating Israeli forces retaininfluence in substantial portions of Gaza, even as humanitarian access andcivilian governance remain contentious issues.
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The ultimatum’s two-month timeline, if formally adopted by the Board ofPeace, could accelerate disarmament negotiations or risk renewed escalationshould Hamas refuse compliance. Smotrich’s rhetoric reinforces Israel’scommitment to preventing Hamas’s resurgence in any form, framing the war’scontinuation as essential to long-term regional stability.
Observers caution that such uncompromising positions may strain relationswithin the Board of Peace, where Arab states advocate for inclusivePalestinian governance. The lack of immediate clarification from USofficials leaves ambiguity over whether Smotrich’s remarks representofficial Israeli policy or individual coalition views.
Gaza’s postwar landscape remains uncertain, with reconstruction needsestimated in billions amid widespread destruction. The Board of Peace’soversight aims to mobilize resources for infrastructure, governance, andeconomic recovery, but progress hinges on disarmament milestones and mutualadherence to ceasefire terms.
Smotrich’s declaration serves as a reminder of persistent hardline elementsin Israel’s government, potentially influencing the pace and nature ofGaza’s transition. As the Board of Peace navigates these dynamics, thecoming weeks will test the viability of Trump’s plan in bridging Israelisecurity demands with international calls for sustainable peace.
Source:https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/trump-s-board-of-peace-to-give-hamas-2-month-ultimatum-to-disarm-israeli-finance-minister-says/3818199
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