Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has declared Israel's military campaign against Iran a "crushing victory" while urging the government to refocus its efforts on dismantling Hamas in Gaza and securing the return of Israeli hostages.
Speaking after the announcement of a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Smotrich, who serves as a senior member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet, stated that Israel had successfully eliminated an "immediate existential threat" posed by the Iranian regime.
"I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of those murdered this morning in Beersheba. There is no doubt that this morning leaves a bitter taste," Smotrich said, referring to the Iranian missile that struck a residential building and killed four Israelis just hours before the ceasefire took effect.
"But with all the sorrow, the truth is that we have achieved, thank God, a crushing victory in the campaign against Iran that will be recorded gloriously in the pages of the history of the State of Israel," he added.
Strategic Iranian Sites Destroyed
According to Smotrich, dozens of strategic Iranian sites in Tehran were destroyed in overnight strikes, significantly weakening the regime's military capabilities.
"Now we turn with all our strength to Gaza," he declared. "The task before us is to destroy Hamas, return our hostages, and ensure, with God's help, many years of security and prosperity for the people of Israel."
Smotrich's remarks come amid growing calls from within the coalition for clarity on the terms of the Iran ceasefire and what it means for Israel's broader security outlook.
Questions About Long-Term Security
Coalition lawmaker Dan Illouz of the ruling Likud party questioned whether the ceasefire had truly neutralized the threat from Tehran.
"The big question is not whether we dealt with the immediate threats to the State of Israel, but whether my one-year-old son will have to face those same threatening actors a few decades from now," Illouz posted on X.
"There is no doubt that we won this war. But the question is, has the enemy surrendered? Or is this just a round we won on points?" he added.
US-Brokered Ceasefire
The ceasefire agreement, brokered by Qatar with US President Donald Trump's backing, comes after nearly two weeks of escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Israel claims it has achieved the objectives of Operation Rising Lion, including degrading Iran's nuclear and ballistic capabilities.
The announcement follows a tragic incident in Beersheba where an Iranian missile struck a residential building, killing four Israelis just hours before the ceasefire took effect.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that Israel agreed to Trump's proposal for a ceasefire with Iran, while Iranian officials have also acknowledged their agreement to the terms.
Follow BenriNews for more updates on this developing story:
