<p>Israel's cabinet is discussing a plan to approve a multiyear plan allocating over $350 million to establish 61 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is going to lead one of the most substantial settlement expansion initiatives in recent decades. Axios journalist Barak Ravid said on Thursday, citing a draft government decision.</p><p>“While the Trump administration - along with governments across Europe and the Middle East - is focused on the escalating crisis with Iran, the Israeli cabinet is expected to approve on Thursday a plan to fund the de facto establishment of 61 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to a draft government decision I obtained,” wrote Axios journalist Barak Ravid on X.</p><p>The plan allocates immediate funding for infrastructure, temporary mobile housing, and public facilities before standard, formal planning procedures are legally finalised. The proposal follows a government decision approved last week, allocating roughly $35 million for planning and regulatory work for the settlements in the occupied West Bank.</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-strikes-iran-water-reservoirs-gulf-desalination-plants-water-security-1781158900633"><strong>US strikes leave 20,000 without water as fears grow over Gulf infrastructure</strong></a></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨🇮🇱🇵🇸 While the Trump administration - along with governments across Europe and the Middle East - is focused on the escalating crisis with Iran, the Israeli cabinet is expected to approve on Thursday a plan to fund the de facto establishment of 61 new settlements in the occupied…</p>&mdash; Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) <a href="https://x.com/BarakRavid/status/2064907804998054185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>According to Ravid, many of the settlements are located in sensitive areas such as Highway 90 in the Jordan Valley, in the South Hebron Hills. He highlights the significance, as it's not just in the number and locations but the mechanism, which allows “physical implementation before completing the full statutory planning process”. This is particularly done to undermine any prospect of a Palestinian state.</p><p>Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the development in a post on the social media platform X, “There are alarming reports of settler violence coming from the occupied West Bank: the demolition of homes, relentless expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, ongoing displacement of Palestinians, the threat of an attempted annexation that would – like the decades-long occupation – have no legal validity. The risk of making a two-State solution impossible – when there is no other viable option. And throughout, the presumption of impunity. These injustices must stop.” He added that all countries without exception must abide by international law. On Monday, the UK, Canada, France, Norway, Australia, and New Zealand imposed coordinated sanctions on the networks financing settler violence.&nbsp;</p>

Israel's cabinet is expected to discuss a $350 million plan to establish 61 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, drawing criticism from the UN and raising concerns about prospects for a Palestinian state.

Israel's cabinet is discussing a plan to approve a multiyear plan allocating over $350 million to establish 61 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is going to lead one of the most substantial settlement expansion initiatives in recent decades. Axios journalist Barak Ravid said on Thursday, citing a draft government decision. “While the Trump administration - along with governments across Europe and the Middle East - is focused on the escalating crisis with Iran, the Israeli cabinet is expected to approve on Thursday a plan to fund the de facto establishment of 61 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to a draft government decision I obtained,” wrote Axios journalist Barak Ravid on X. The plan allocates immediate funding for infrastructure, temporary mobile housing, and public facilities before standard, formal planning procedures are legally finalised. The proposal follows a government decision approved last week, allocating roughly $35 million for planning and regulatory work for the settlements in the occupied West Bank. Also Read: US strikes leave 20,000 without water as fears grow over Gulf infrastructure

<p>Israel's cabinet is expected to discuss a $350 million plan to establish 61 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, drawing criticism from the UN and raising concerns about prospects for a Palestinian state.</p>

Israel considers $350 million plan for 61 new West Bank settlements

Senior far-right Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich has proposed policies to promote Palestinian emigration from the occupied West Bank and Gaza, framing it as a long-term solution while also advocating stronger Israeli control and the scrapping of the Oslo Accords. Critics say such steps could amount to de facto annexation and forced displacement.


Israeli Minister Faces Backlash Over Call for Palestinian Emigration from West Bank, Gaza |

<p>The Netherlands on Tuesday (July 29) declared Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich persona non grata. They have been banned from entering the country, the Netherlands Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said. The two ministers were allegedly inciting settler violence, supporting illegal settlements, and advocating ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza amid Israel's ongoing war with Hamas militants. This is a rare and high-profile use of diplomatic rebuke against sitting Israeli ministers, adding to the rising international scrutiny of Israel’s far-right leaders. Who are these ministers? And what does a persona non-grata mean? Which other countries have made similar restrictions on the Israeli ministers? Here is what you should know:</p><h2>Who are the Isareli ministers declared Persona Non Grata by the Netherlands?</h2><h3>Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israeli national security minister</h3><p>Ben-Gvir is the firebrand leader of Otzma Yehudit or Jewish Power, a far-right party.<br>He is a controversial figure and West Bank settler with a history of provocative behaviour and toxic rhetoric. He was previously convicted in Israel for incitement and ties to a banned extremist group. He is accused of inciting settler violence, supporting ethnic cleansing, and obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-ben-gvir-says-his-party-will-quit-if-cabinet-implements-gaza-ceasefire-deal-8159194/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-ben-gvir-says-his-party-will-quit-if-cabinet-implements-gaza-ceasefire-deal-8159194/embed</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli finance ninister</h3><p>Smotrich, who is also responsible for West Bank settlement administration, is the leader of Religious Zionism, a far-right nationalist party.<br>He is an advocate of annexing Palestinian territories and denies Palestinian national identity or statehood. He has been a supporter of the expansion of illegal settlements and has made statements seen as advocating the ethnic displacement of Palestinians.</p><h2>Israeli ministers face action: What does ‘persona non grata’ mean?</h2><p>Persona Non Grata is a diplomatic designation, meaning a foreign official is no longer welcome in a country. Under Article 9 of the Vienna Convention, a state may impose this status without giving a reason. In the case of the Netherlands, Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have been banned from entry due to their alleged role in inciting violence and promoting extremist policies. The move is symbolic yet serious, signaling strong diplomatic disapproval of the ministers.</p><p>The Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp cited incitement of settler violence, support for illegal settlements, and endorsement of ethnic cleansing in Gaza for action on the ministers. The decision reflects concern about the ministers’ impact on human rights and regional stability in West Asia.</p><h2>Israeli ministers are no strangers to the West's rebukes: What other countries did in recent months</h2><p>Earlier this month, Slovenia became the first European Union member nation to take similar action against, imposing sanctions against the two ministers.<br>In June, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway imposed sanctions targeting the ministers, but stopped short of declaring them persona non grata.</p><h2>What does the diplomatic action against Israeli ministers mean?</h2><p>The ministers will face diplomatic isolation, with the designation damaging the international standing of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. These actions also mark an evolving policy shift toward accountability for Israeli officials who promote far-right policies and advocate violence.<br>The move by Netherlands adds to the growing international pressure among Western nations seeking to curb extremist elements within the Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.<br>Israel has been denying wrongdoing, describing international criticism as biased and politically motivated amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

 This is a rare and high-profile use of diplomatic rebuke against sitting Israeli ministers, adding to the rising international scrutiny of Israel’s far-right leaders. Who are these ministers? And what does a persona non grata mean?

The Netherlands on Tuesday (July 29) declared Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich persona non grata. They have been banned from entering the country, the Netherlands Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said. The two ministers were allegedly inciting settler violence, supporting illegal settlements, and advocating ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza amid Israel's ongoing war with Hamas militants. This is a rare and high-profile use of diplomatic rebuke against sitting Israeli ministers, adding to the rising international scrutiny of Israel’s far-right leaders. Who are these ministers? And what does a persona non-grata mean? Which other countries have made similar restrictions on the Israeli ministers? Here is what you should know: Who are the Isareli ministers declared Persona Non Grata by the Netherlands? Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israeli national security minister Ben-Gvir is the firebrand leader of Otzma Yehudit or Jewish Power, a far-right party. He is a controversial figure and West Bank settler with a history of provocative behaviour and toxic rhetoric. He was previously convicted in Israel for incitement and ties to a banned extremist group. He is accused of inciting settler violence, supporting ethnic cleansing, and obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza. https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-ben-gvir-says-his-party-will-quit-if-cabinet-implements-gaza-ceasefire-deal-8159194/embed Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli finance ninister Smotrich, who is also responsible for West Bank settlement administration, is the leader of Religious Zionism, a far-right nationalist party. He is an advocate of annexing Palestinian territories and denies Palestinian national identity or statehood. He has been a supporter of the expansion of illegal settlements and has made statements seen as advocating the ethnic displacement of Palestinians. Israeli ministers face action: What does ‘persona non grata’ mean? Persona Non Grata is a diplomatic designation, meaning a foreign official is no longer welcome in a country. Under Article 9 of the Vienna Convention, a state may impose this status without giving a reason. In the case of the Netherlands, Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have been banned from entry due to their alleged role in inciting violence and promoting extremist policies. The move is symbolic yet serious, signaling strong diplomatic disapproval of the ministers. The Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp cited incitement of settler violence, support for illegal settlements, and endorsement of ethnic cleansing in Gaza for action on the ministers. The decision reflects concern about the ministers’ impact on human rights and regional stability in West Asia. Israeli ministers are no strangers to the West's rebukes: What other countries did in recent months Earlier this month, Slovenia became the first European Union member nation to take similar action against, imposing sanctions against the two ministers. In June, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway imposed sanctions targeting the ministers, but stopped short of declaring them persona non grata. What does the diplomatic action against Israeli ministers mean? The ministers will face diplomatic isolation, with the designation damaging the international standing of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. These actions also mark an evolving policy shift toward accountability for Israeli officials who promote far-right policies and advocate violence. The move by Netherlands adds to the growing international pressure among Western nations seeking to curb extremist elements within the Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel has been denying wrongdoing, describing international criticism as biased and politically motivated amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas.

<p>&nbsp;This is a rare and high-profile use of diplomatic rebuke against sitting Israeli ministers, adding to the rising international scrutiny of Israel’s far-right leaders. Who are these ministers? And what does a persona non-grata mean?</p>

These two Israeli ministers are declared PERSONA NON GRATA by the Netherlands. Who are they, and what does it mean?

<p>Israel's Finance Minister&nbsp;Bezalel Smotrich on Sunday (Aug 4) ordered the seizure of $26 million (100 million shekels) of tax funds intended for the Palestinian Authority, saying it would be used to pay for the Israeli victims of terrorism. The Palestinian Authority governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.</p>

<p>In a statement, the finance ministry said that the seizure of funds was part of the measures to combat terrorism, the news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-issues-notam-restrictions-as-global-community-awaits-possible-attack-on-israel-747396">Iran issues NOTAM restrictions as global community awaits possible attack on Israel</a></strong></p>

<p>Quoting Finance Minister Smotrich, the statement accused the Palestinian Authority of diverting funds to the families of the terrorists. The statement noted that it was the fifth time that the finance ministry withheld funds, which Israel collects on behalf of the Palestinian authority.</p>

<h2><strong>'Working on ground to remove threat'</strong></h2>

<p>In a post on X, Smotrich said on Monday that the withholding of the Palestinian funds was part of a broader strategy to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state to ensure security for Israelis, alongside increased settlement in the West Bank.</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="iw">המאבק בטרור איננו רק מאבק צבאי אלא מאבק משולב הכולל מלחמה בהסתה הפרועה של הרשות הפלסטינית ובכספי הטרור אותם היא מפנה מתקציבה למשפחות מחבלים.<br />
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כפי שנהגתי מאז כניסתי לתפקיד, פסקי דין כנגד הרשות הפלסטינית מועברים לעיקול מיידי מהכספים המועברים לרשות הפלסטינית ומועברים לפיצוי משפחות… <a href="https://t.co/5NuekdS3vG">pic.twitter.com/5NuekdS3vG</a></p>
— בצלאל סמוטריץ' (@bezalelsm) <a href="https://twitter.com/bezalelsm/status/1820175016601768332?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"We are working on the ground to remove this threat (of a Palestinian state) ... by strengthening settlement through construction, ... fighting the terror funds of the Palestinian Authority and its leaders, and maintaining complete Israeli control over the area," the finance minister added.</p>

<h2><strong>Israeli criticism of the Palestinian Authority</strong></h2>

<p>Israeli politicians have regularly criticised the Palestinian Authority for granting financial support&nbsp;to the families of Palestinians killed or jailed for acts of violence against Israel.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | Gaza war: Security chiefs, negotiators, US all blaming Netanyahu for tanking hostage talks</strong></p>

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<p>Since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7 last year, Israel has imposed economic curbs on the Palestinian Authority, often withholding tax revenues it collects on its behalf.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Sunday (Aug 4) ordered the seizure of $26 million (100 million shekels) of tax funds intended for the Palestinian Authority, saying it would be used to pay for the Israeli victims of terrorism.

Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Sunday (Aug 4) ordered the seizure of $26 million (100 million shekels) of tax funds intended for the Palestinian Authority, saying it would be used to pay for the Israeli victims of terrorism. The Palestinian Authority governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. In a statement, the finance ministry said that the seizure of funds was part of the measures to combat terrorism, the news agency AFP reported. Also read | Iran issues NOTAM restrictions as global community awaits possible attack on Israel Quoting Finance Minister Smotrich, the statement accused the Palestinian Authority of diverting funds to the families of the terrorists. The statement noted that it was the fifth time that the finance ministry withheld funds, which Israel collects on behalf of the Palestinian authority. 'Working on ground to remove threat' In a post on X, Smotrich said on Monday that the withholding of the Palestinian funds was part of a broader strategy to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state to ensure security for Israelis, alongside increased settlement in the West Bank. המאבק בטרור איננו רק מאבק צבאי אלא מאבק משולב הכולל מלחמה בהסתה הפרועה של הרשות הפלסטינית ובכספי הטרור אותם היא מפנה מתקציבה למשפחות מחבלים. כפי שנהגתי מאז כניסתי לתפקיד, פסקי דין כנגד הרשות הפלסטינית מועברים לעיקול מיידי מהכספים המועברים לרשות הפלסטינית ומועברים לפיצוי משפחות… pic.twitter.com/5NuekdS3vG — בצלאל סמוטריץ' (@bezalelsm) August 4, 2024 × "We are working on the ground to remove this threat (of a Palestinian state) ... by strengthening settlement through construction, ... fighting the terror funds of the Palestinian Authority and its leaders, and maintaining complete Israeli control over the area," the finance minister added. Israeli criticism of the Palestinian Authority Israeli politicians have regularly criticised the Palestinian Authority for granting financial support to the families of Palestinians killed or jailed for acts of violence against Israel. Also read | Gaza war: Security chiefs, negotiators, US all blaming Netanyahu for tanking hostage talks × Since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7 last year, Israel has imposed economic curbs on the Palestinian Authority, often withholding tax revenues it collects on its behalf. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Israel's finance minister orders seizure of $26 million in Palestinian tax funds

<p>Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right leader, called for return of Jewish settlers to the Gaza Strip after current war between Israel and Hamas is over. The minister also said on Sunday (December 31, 2023) that Palestinians should be encouraged to emigrate out of Gaza Strip.</p>

<p>"To have security we must control the territory," Smotrich said as quoted by Israel's Army Radio. He was responding to a question which asked him about prospects of re-estabilshing settlements in Gaza.</p>

<p>"In order to control the territory militarily for a long time, we need a civilian presence," he said.</p>

<p>In 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew its soldiers and settlers. This ended their presence in the enclave since 1967. However, Israel has been maintaining tight control over the territory’s borders.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Gaza death toll climbs to over 21800: Hamas health ministry</strong></p>

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<p>Under international law, all settlements on occupied Palestinian land are considered illegal irrespective of state of their approval by Israel.</p>

<p>Smotrich is chief of the far-right Religious Zionism party, which is part of the ruling coalition.</p>

<p>"If we act in a strategically correct way and encourage emigration, if there are 100,000 or 200,000 Arabs in Gaza and not two million, the whole discourse of the day after (the war) will be completely different," he said.</p>

<p>"We will help rehabilitate these refugees in other countries in a good and humane manner with the cooperation of the international community and Arab countries around us."</p>

<h2><strong>Hamas reacts sharply</strong></h2>

<p>Hamas has condemned Smotrich's comments saying it was a "vile mockery and a war crime". In its statement quoted by AFP, Hamas said that Gazans "will stand firm and steadfast in the face of all attempts to displace them from their land and homes".</p>

<p>The plan to make Gazans emigrate has not been officially presented by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It has also has not said officially that Israeli settlers should be sent back to Gaza Strip after the war is over.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza-conflict-looms-large-for-many-months-in-2024-675368">Israel-Hamas war: Gaza conflict set to go on for 'many months' in 2024</a></strong></p>

<p>Israel has mounted a serious military response since Hamas fighters crossed borders in northern Gaza on October 7 and killed at least 1200 people in Israeli territory and took hostages.</p>

<p>The Israeli response has seen the country carry out hundreds of air attacks inside Gaza Strip as Israeli tanks and troops were deployed for ground operation.</p>

<p>According to Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, more than 21,000 civilians have died so far in the ongoing conflict.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right leader, called for return of Jewish settlers to the Gaza Strip after current war between Israel and Hamas is over.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right leader, called for return of Jewish settlers to the Gaza Strip after current war between Israel and Hamas is over. The minister also said on Sunday (December 31, 2023) that Palestinians should be encouraged to emigrate out of Gaza Strip. "To have security we must control the territory," Smotrich said as quoted by Israel's Army Radio. He was responding to a question which asked him about prospects of re-estabilshing settlements in Gaza. "In order to control the territory militarily for a long time, we need a civilian presence," he said. In 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew its soldiers and settlers. This ended their presence in the enclave since 1967. However, Israel has been maintaining tight control over the territory’s borders. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Gaza death toll climbs to over 21800: Hamas health ministry × Under international law, all settlements on occupied Palestinian land are considered illegal irrespective of state of their approval by Israel. Smotrich is chief of the far-right Religious Zionism party, which is part of the ruling coalition. "If we act in a strategically correct way and encourage emigration, if there are 100,000 or 200,000 Arabs in Gaza and not two million, the whole discourse of the day after (the war) will be completely different," he said. "We will help rehabilitate these refugees in other countries in a good and humane manner with the cooperation of the international community and Arab countries around us." Hamas reacts sharply Hamas has condemned Smotrich's comments saying it was a "vile mockery and a war crime". In its statement quoted by AFP, Hamas said that Gazans "will stand firm and steadfast in the face of all attempts to displace them from their land and homes". The plan to make Gazans emigrate has not been officially presented by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It has also has not said officially that Israeli settlers should be sent back to Gaza Strip after the war is over. Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: Gaza conflict set to go on for 'many months' in 2024 Israel has mounted a serious military response since Hamas fighters crossed borders in northern Gaza on October 7 and killed at least 1200 people in Israeli territory and took hostages. The Israeli response has seen the country carry out hundreds of air attacks inside Gaza Strip as Israeli tanks and troops were deployed for ground operation. According to Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, more than 21,000 civilians have died so far in the ongoing conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel minister says Israeli settlers should return to Gaza

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<p>Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Sunday (Oct 15) that the government was taking responsibility for last week's unprecedented attack by Hamas which killed 1,400 Israeli citizens. Addressing a press conference, Finance Minister Smotrich said, "We have to admit honestly, painfully and with a bowed head - we, the state leadership and the security establishment, have failed in maintaining the security of our citizens."</p>

<p>"We failed to implement the unwritten contract, the first of its kind between a state and its citizens. A contract that was written in blood and is now stained with blood," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel admits intelligence failure</strong></h2>

<p>The minister's remarks come just a day after a senior Israeli official admitted intelligence mistakes in failing to predict the October 7 attack by Hamas. "It's my mistake, and it reflects the mistakes of all those making (intelligence) assessments," National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi told a press briefing on Saturday when asked about his recent remarks predicting no Hamas aggression.</p>

<p>"We really believed that Hamas learned the lesson from" its last major war with Israel in 2021, Hanegbi added.</p>

<p>Hanegbi also rejected negotiations towards any prisoner swap deal with Hamas and said there was no way to negotiate with an enemy Israel sworn to obliterate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The total deaths in the conflict have crossed 4,000 with 1,400 killed on the Israeli side and 2,670 killed in the Gaza Strip. On Sunday, the military said that it had confirmed 155 people were being held hostage by Hamas since last week.</p>

<p>Families of "155 hostages" have been contacted by the authorities, military spokesman Daniel Hagari said, updating an earlier figure confirming 126 hostages.</p>

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Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Sunday (Oct 15) that the government was taking responsibility for last week's unprecedented attack by Hamas which killed 1,400 Israeli citizens.

Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Sunday (Oct 15) that the government was taking responsibility for last week's unprecedented attack by Hamas which killed 1,400 Israeli citizens. Addressing a press conference, Finance Minister Smotrich said, "We have to admit honestly, painfully and with a bowed head - we, the state leadership and the security establishment, have failed in maintaining the security of our citizens." "We failed to implement the unwritten contract, the first of its kind between a state and its citizens. A contract that was written in blood and is now stained with blood," he added. Israel admits intelligence failure The minister's remarks come just a day after a senior Israeli official admitted intelligence mistakes in failing to predict the October 7 attack by Hamas. "It's my mistake, and it reflects the mistakes of all those making (intelligence) assessments," National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi told a press briefing on Saturday when asked about his recent remarks predicting no Hamas aggression. "We really believed that Hamas learned the lesson from" its last major war with Israel in 2021, Hanegbi added. Hanegbi also rejected negotiations towards any prisoner swap deal with Hamas and said there was no way to negotiate with an enemy Israel sworn to obliterate. The total deaths in the conflict have crossed 4,000 with 1,400 killed on the Israeli side and 2,670 killed in the Gaza Strip. On Sunday, the military said that it had confirmed 155 people were being held hostage by Hamas since last week. Families of "155 hostages" have been contacted by the authorities, military spokesman Daniel Hagari said, updating an earlier figure confirming 126 hostages. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli minister says govt failed to protect citizens