Smotrich sets six “red lines” for Gaza plan ahead of Trump-Netanyahu meeting
Ahead of 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump today, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has outlined six “red lines” that his party insists must be met for it to support any deal addressing Gaza.
The planned talks are expected to focus on Trump’s 21-point plan, which aims to end the war in Gaza, establish a postwar governing framework, and secure the return of the 48 captives held by Hamas, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
Smotrich’s Conditions
According to Hebrew media, in a statement, Smotrich said the party’s red lines include the full dismantling and demilitarization of Hamas and the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that 'Israel' must maintain complete military control over the perimeter, including the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, with full operational freedom throughout the territory.
Smotrich also demanded no role for the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Gaza governance, arguing that even limited involvement would amount to de facto recognition of a Palestinian state. He insisted that the agreement contain “not even a hint” of a Palestinian state and that the idea be entirely removed from the negotiating table.
Additionally, the minister called for no Qatari involvement in postwar Gaza, denouncing the Gulf state as “two-faced hypocrites that sponsor terror.” He also insisted that the Egyptian border be opened to allow Palestinians wishing to leave Gaza to do so freely, stating, “Gaza will no longer be a prison where people are held by force illegally and immorally just to harm the State of Israel.”
West Bank and Sovereignty
Smotrich further addressed 'Israel’s' potential annexation of the West Bank, referring to the territory by its biblical names, Judea and Samaria. He expects Netanyahu to establish both politically and practically that the area is an inseparable part of sovereign 'Israel', while proposing an alternative framework to manage the lives of the Palestinian population there.
Diverging 'Israeli', U.S. Positions
Trump’s plan envisages a potential pathway toward a future Palestinian state, a concept Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected, calling it “sheer madness” at the UN. Netanyahu has also consistently opposed any PA role in postwar Gaza governance, whereas Trump has suggested a reformed Palestinian Authority could help administer the Strip.
The two governments also differ sharply over West Bank annexation. On Thursday, Trump told reporters at the White House, “I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. I will not allow it. It’s not going to happen.”
Smotrich’s announcement places Netanyahu in a delicate position, needing to balance hardline domestic demands with the expectations of the US administration as the two leaders prepare to discuss a highly contentious postwar framework for Gaza.
