Israel's Smotrich demands Netanyahu scrap new Gaza offensive plans

(Reuters) – Israeli Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has demanded Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scrap a recent plan to seize Gaza City, insisting on tougher action to defeat Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Netanyahu's security cabinet, of which Smotrich is a member, approved plans on Friday to expand military operations in the Palestinian enclave, drawing criticism at home and abroad.

In a video posted on X late on Saturday, Smotrich said he has lost his faith in Netanyahu's ability and desire to lead to a victory over Hamas. The new plan, he said, was intended to get Hamas back to ceasefire negotiations.

The Israeli military has warned that expanding the offensive could endanger the lives of hostages Hamas is still holding in Gaza and draw its troops into protracted and deadly guerilla warfare.

The new offensive plan has also drawn alarm abroad of further harm to the civilian population in Gaza. Israel has already come under mounting pressure over the humanitarian crisis in the enclave, prompting it to announce a series of new measures to ease aid distribution.