Israel's new military offensive in Gaza, marked by hostile rhetoric from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, has raised alarms globally. Critics, including hostages' families, warn that these actions could lead to worsening conflicts, especially for captives. Opposition leaders have long cautioned about the government's intentions toward annexation, a goal linked to Smotrichâs long-standing plans since 2017. This situation highlights a tragic cycle of violence affecting both Palestinian and Israeli communities, with calls for greater accountability amid escalating tensions.
Einav Zangauker, the mother of Matan, who was kidnapped from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on 7 October, went to the Knesset (the Israeli parliament) this week with a chilling warning: the expansion of military efforts in Gaza will lead to the death of hostages, she said. When she called on army reservists to refuse drafting orders, she was silenced and removed from the platform.
This kind of genocidal ideology has been evident, in Smotrich's case, since long before 7 October. And opposition voices including mine have been warning of the government's intentions in Gaza since October 2023.
The decision of the Israeli cabinet to expand its invasion has terrified the families of Israeli hostages. They have accused Smotrich of promoting his messianic vision on the graves of their loved ones, and Benjamin Netanyahu of hiding information and lying to them about the number of living hostages.
In October 2023, in my first interview after the massacre of 7 October, I warned that the Israeli government would utilise the brutal slaughter in order to pursue its plans to annex Palestinian territories.
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