Smotrich reverses stance on Gaza aid amid reported deal to approve new settlements
A report by the 'Israeli' outlet Maariv has raised questions over an alleged political deal between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, involving the approval of new settlements in exchange for resuming humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.
While both offices deny any connection, the report cites political sources who claim a quiet agreement was reached amid growing international pressure on 'Israel' over the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave.
According to Maariv, Netanyahu agreed to authorize the construction of hundreds of new housing units in outposts across the occupied West Bank, particularly through 'settlement nuclei' and agricultural farms near the eastern border. These initiatives are to be funded by the office of Settlements Minister Orit Strock, which will reportedly receive a substantial budget increase to support the expansion.
The purported deal marks a dramatic shift in Smotrich's position. Just weeks ago, he strongly opposed any resumption of aid to Gaza, vowing to leave the government if 'even one grain' reached Hamas. 'Over my dead body,' Smotrich told Makor Rishon in late April. However, in a press conference held this week, he voiced support for allowing basic aid into the Strip, framing it as a strategic necessity to defeat Hamas.
At a security cabinet meeting, Maj. Gen. Rasan Alian, Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), briefed ministers on efforts to monitor incoming aid. Despite these efforts, Alian admitted that 'it is impossible to guarantee' that some of the assistance won't fall into the hands of Hamas.
Channel 14 reported that approval of 22 settlement outposts is now on the agenda. A senior political source told Maariv that the timing of the cabinet's approval of the new settlements aligned with its greenlight for renewed aid to Gaza — suggesting a deliberate political exchange.
The source also noted that Smotrich, contrary to his earlier rhetoric, did not oppose the aid decision during the cabinet session.
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