We will do everything to prevent a Palestinian state, Israel minister says 

Israel will do everything possible to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state on the “land of Israel”,  Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said yesterday.

In a press statement, cited by Sputnik, Smotrich said: “The army leadership does not know its limits and, instead of intensifying the fighting, supports an illegitimate exchange deal.”

He emphasised the necessity of maintaining military pressure on Hamas.

The far-right minister insisted that the war should not end until its objectives are achieved, which include eradicating Hamas, retrieving the prisoners of war held in Gaza, and restoring security. He warned that re-entering futile negotiations would undermine what he described as the war’s achievements.

Earlier yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held discussions with the negotiation team and security officials regarding the prisoner exchange deal with Hamas.

READ: Smotrich calls for rebuilding settlements in the Gaza Strip