On July 4, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet voted to approve an expansion of humanitarian aid in northern Gaza, over the objections of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir.
According to the Times of Israel, the agreement will allow international organizations (such as UN agencies and the Red Crescent) to distribute humanitarian supplies in northern Gaza—bypassing the U.S./Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation—and opening new aid zones.
Smotrich denounced the agreement (and the leaking of its existence), writing that “Chief of Staff [Eyal Zamir) is failing in his mission and is forcing the political echelon to allow aid that reaches Hamas, turning into logistical supplies for the enemy during wartime.”
“The decision made yesterday, against our position, to allow aid through the old and bad method is unacceptable to us, and we will consider our steps in response,” he continued.
