Smotrich demands revote on Gaza reconstruction plan that he backed

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Missions Minister Orit Strock have called for a new government vote on the Board of Peace's (BoP) recommendations for Gaza reconstruction, arguing that ministers approved the original decision based on incomplete information. Despite Smotrich initially voting in favor, he and Strock contend that the summary presented before the vote omitted key consequences, particularly regarding Israel's ability to prevent financial activity by hostile organizations.

• The ministers claim several substantive provisions, including changes to financial institution authority, sanction procedures, and the Israel Security Agency's role in financial enforcement, were not adequately presented.
• They argue these measures would weaken tools against hostile financial activity and create bureaucracy, stating, "The cabinet's decision was based on a misleading presentation."
• The original cabinet decision approved the BoP's pilot phase and granted principal approval for the International Stabilization Force (ISF) deployment in Gaza, which Smotrich now seeks to revisit.

Smotrich and Strock urge ministers to rescind the previous approval and revisit the proposal after a complete review of its legal, security, and practical implications.