Netanyahu Defends Humanitarian Aid Amid Political Firestorm
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday defended Israel’s decision to allow limited humanitarian aid into Gaza, stating that international pressure had reached a “red line.” In a video statement, Netanyahu said, “We cannot accept images of hunger, mass hunger. We will not be able to support you.”
“Therefore, to achieve victory, we need to somehow solve the problem,” he added, referencing concern from key allies, including unnamed U.S. senators. Netanyahu stressed the urgency of the situation, saying it had reached a “dangerous point,” though he did not clarify whether this referred to conditions in Gaza or waning international support.
The move came as Israel faced mounting pressure over its aid blockade imposed in March. Netanyahu said a “bridging” solution was needed to allow aid to enter without delay until newly planned U.S.-backed IDF-secured distribution points are functional. “We cannot reach a situation of famine, neither professionally nor diplomatically,” he added.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who had previously vowed to quit the government if aid entered Gaza, backed down, stating, “No aid will reach Hamas. Period. Anyone who says otherwise is simply lying.” He added that the plan would “allow civilians to eat” and “us to keep fighting, God willing, until victory.”
However, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir strongly objected, accusing Netanyahu of bypassing a cabinet vote. “This aid, which reaches all parts of the Strip, will also fall into the hands of Hamas. That is the reason they refused my request for a vote,” he said, calling the decision “a serious and grave mistake.”
Opposition leader Avigdor Liberman also criticized the government, arguing that it remains stuck in a pre-war mindset. “The only real mechanism at play here is a mechanism of lying to the public,” he said. Even if the Western Wall were handed over, [Smotrich] would remain in his seat and claim it was a step toward defeating Hamas.”
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