Both options are being examined due to the deadlock in negotiations. Some ministers view annexation as a more effective strategy. However, Shas party leader Aryeh Deri, who participated in the meeting despite his party's withdrawal from Israel's governing coalition, argued, "We have no business in Gaza."
"Good things are about to happen"
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, speaking at a conference marking 20 years since Israel's withdrawal from the Strip, took a firmer stance, implying that re-establishing Israeli communities in Gaza has become a more realistic prospect. Smotrich had previously said that resettlement was not a goal of the war, but his latest remarks suggested a shift in outlook.
Smotrich emphasized that the government's desire to make Hamas pay for refusing to release the hostages should include seizing territory. He claimed this would harm Hamas more than any other form of pressure. Smotrich also said he remained in the government, despite opposing the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, because "good things are about to happen."
Monday's meeting concluded without decisions, but another discussion is scheduled in the coming days to determine Israel's next steps, should Hamas fail to respond in Doha to Israel's latest realistic proposals.
