Ben-Gvir Criticizes US Envoys; Smotrich Calls for Military Rule in Gaza

Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for their perceived naivety regarding Gaza, emphasizing the need to dismantle Hamas after significant casualties. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for military rule in the region to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. Prime Minister Netanyahu agreed to open the Rafah crossing after locating an Israeli captive, while Hamas rejected disarmament calls. The ongoing Israeli conflict has resulted in over 71,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023, with extensive destruction in Gaza.

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