Netanyahu Orders IDF 48-Hour Plan to Prevent Hamas Seizing Gaza Aid as Deliveries Halted, Finance Minister Smotrich Criticizes Cabinet

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to develop a plan within 48 hours to prevent Hamas from seizing humanitarian aid entering northern Gaza. This directive follows intelligence reports indicating that Hamas has been diverting aid intended for civilians. In response, Israel halted aid deliveries to Gaza until the military presents a viable plan to control the distribution. The Israeli cabinet initially approved a decision to allow some aid into Gaza, but this move has faced sharp criticism from far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who described the decision as a "grave mistake" that would benefit Hamas.

Smotrich has expressed his refusal to accept the cabinet's decision and has threatened to reconsider his position in the government if immediate action is not taken to prevent aid from reaching Hamas. Meanwhile, Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for a full military conquest of Gaza, a total halt to humanitarian aid, and encouragement of migration as the only way to secure victory and safely recover hostages. There are conflicting reports from Gazan clans denying that Hamas is stealing aid, calling for United Nations supervision of aid distribution. Additionally, Israel's Energy Minister stated that Hamas has conditioned the reorganization of aid distribution mechanisms in Gaza. The situation remains fluid as Israel seeks to balance humanitarian concerns with security imperatives amid ongoing tensions.