Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich praised the security situation in a statement Saturday night, asserting the IDF controls 70% of the Gaza Strip and maintains a buffer zone in southern Lebanon. He argued the right-wing government has transformed Israel's security doctrine, and that Iran is weaker militarily, politically, and economically than before the war.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich (Religious Zionism) issued a detailed statement on Saturday evening outlining what he described as the security achievements of the current right-wing government amid ongoing operations in Gaza and Lebanon.
Smotrich claimed the IDF controls a security zone comprising 70% of the Gaza Strip, having destroyed infrastructure above and below ground. He acknowledged that Hamas has not been eliminated but argued there is international commitment to that goal and legitimacy for Israel to remain in the security zone until it is achieved. A similar claim was made regarding southern Lebanon, where Smotrich said the IDF controls a buffer zone and has deepened destruction of Hezbollah infrastructure, with international backing for freedom of action.
The minister contrasted the current approach with what he called decades of "withdrawals for a piece of paper, buckling under international pressure, and surrender to terrorism." He praised the resilience of reservists and their families, stating their sacrifice has changed the Middle East.
Smotrich also asserted that Iran is significantly weaker than before the war — militarily, politically, and economically — and has been pushed out of involvement in the Middle East. He dismissed criticism from the "left-wing media and opposition" as politically motivated despair-mongering.
The statement aligns with recent remarks by Prime Minister Netanyahu and other coalition figures, but remains a political summary by a minister rather than an official government or military assessment. The specific operational claims — 70% Gaza control, buffer zone depth — have not been independently confirmed by the IDF in a separate briefing.
- StrongNetanyahu: IDF controls nearly 70% of Gaza Strip; vows no withdrawal from Lebanon buffer zone
- StrongSmotrich: The immediate test is in Lebanon; convert military gains into stable security reality
- DevelopingNetanyahu: Israel holds 60% of Gaza Strip, expects to reach 70% soon
- StrongSmotrich: No Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon security zone as long as Hezbollah exists
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