Smotrich confirms plan to allocate funds toward emergency Gaza aid efforts, shifting gears
“Right now, the funding is international, but if necessary, we’ll do it ourselves,” Somtrich said.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich confirmed his plans to allocate funds toward humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza on Wednesday evening, stating that doing so was solely for the purpose of “victory” in the war.
“I’m not interested in the Gazans,” Smotrich told The Jerusalem Post in response to a Tuesday Kan report, stating he had been promoting the transfer of billions of additional shekels from the state budget for aid to the civilian population in Gaza.
“What interests me is victory and the complete destruction of Hamas,” Smotrich said.
“Right now, the funding is international, but if necessary, we’ll do it ourselves,” Somtrich explained regarding the humanitarian aid.
By having the ability to fund aid efforts on its own, Israel could potentially carry on with Gaza operations for longer, amid international pressure.
Hamas terrorists carrying clubs and firearms secure humanitarian aid trucks in the northern Gaza area of Jabaliya on June 25, 2025. (credit: TPS-IL)
“The whole world is pressuring us: Europe is pushing us to stop [military operations in the Strip], Hamas wants us to stop, and so does the Israeli Left — but I’m doing everything I can to ensure we continue until total defeat,” Smotrich continued.
“The war is already costing NIS 300 billion,” Smotrich said. “I’m now legislating a special defense fund to address the front against Iran, but I also want to include a dedicated budget that will allow us to establish logistical centers and, if needed, fund the aid to the population ourselves instead of continuing to send trucks to Hamas,” he added.
Upcoming cabinet meeting to determine future
The Kan report stated that it is not yet clear whether the money is intended for the establishment of a “humanitarian city” or for the humanitarian aid mechanism. Such a clarification would depend on Israel’s upcoming Thursday cabinet meeting regarding the continuation of activity in Gaza.
According to estimates, some of the money will come from budget cuts to government ministries, the Kan report noted.
“I hope that tomorrow a clear decision will finally be made to go all-in onGaza — to conquer it entirely and defeat Hamas militarily,” Smotrich said in his Wednesday statement.
“Without civilian and economic strangulation, there is no chance of winning. This is the way to bring the hostages home. This is the path to victory,” Smotrich concluded.
