Overview
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich pressed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to dismantle the CMCC in Kiryat Gat and remove representatives from countries he labeled hostile, including Britain and Egypt.
- Smotrich also called for a brief ultimatum demanding Hamas disarm and go into exile, warning that Israel should launch a full-force campaign and impose long-term control if refused.
- Eight diplomats told Reuters that some European governments are weighing whether to scale back or stop sending personnel to the CMCC, with several officials not returning after the holidays and one calling the center directionless.
- Established in October under Trump's 20-point plan, the CMCC hosts roughly 60 countries to coordinate aid, monitor the ceasefire and draft post-war policy, yet its future role alongside the new Board of Peace and technocratic bodies remains unclear.
- There were no immediate comments from the Israeli prime minister's office, the White House or the U.S. State Department, and officials and diplomats dispute whether aid has increased as Israel maintains restrictions on dual-use items.