What's happened
Israeli far-right minister Smotrich urges Prime Minister Netanyahu to shut down the US-led Civil Military Coordination Centre in Kiryat Gat. He claims removing foreign representatives will enhance Israel’s security and calls for military action against Hamas, citing recent Gaza conflicts and Trump’s plan for Gaza’s future.
What's behind the headline?
The calls to dismantle the CMCC reflect a shift towards unilateral Israeli control over Gaza, bypassing international cooperation. Smotrich’s rhetoric emphasizes military solutions and territorial claims, aligning with his broader political agenda of reversing the 2005 Gaza disengagement. This stance risks escalating tensions, as it dismisses diplomatic and humanitarian considerations.
The push to remove foreign representatives from the CMCC, including Britain and Egypt, signals a move to isolate external influence and assert sovereignty. However, it also undermines international efforts to coordinate aid and stability in Gaza. Smotrich’s aggressive language about storming Gaza and disarming Hamas indicates a potential for renewed conflict, which could destabilize the region further.
The recent exchange underscores the deep divisions within Israeli politics over Gaza’s future, with hardliners demanding full control and others advocating for cautious diplomacy. The US’s involvement through the CMCC remains a key element in managing post-conflict reconstruction, but Smotrich’s stance suggests this may be challenged or sidelined, increasing the risk of a broader escalation.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports Smotrich’s call to dismantle the CMCC and his criticism of international involvement, emphasizing his desire for full Israeli control and military action. The New Arab highlights Smotrich’s long-standing extremist views and his push for aggressive policies, including the reoccupation of Gaza. Reuters provides context on the establishment of the CMCC and its international representation, noting Smotrich’s opposition and his calls for a short-term disarmament ultimatum for Hamas. All sources depict a growing push within Israel’s far-right to pursue a hardline approach, risking further instability in Gaza and the broader region.
How we got here
The US established the Civil Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) in October to facilitate post-war Gaza planning, involving multiple countries. Smotrich, a far-right Israeli minister, has long advocated for aggressive policies in Gaza, including reoccupying settlements and dismantling Hamas. His remarks follow recent escalation after Hamas’s October attack and ongoing debates over Gaza’s future.
Go deeper
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Bezalel Yoel Smotrich is an Israeli politician. The leader of Tkuma, he is currently a member of the Knesset for the Yamina alliance.
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