ISRAEL'S finance minister has called for the immediate establishment of Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip’s northern perimeter, claiming nearly 70% of the Strip is already occupied by the Israeli military.
In footage released by the Israeli government, Bezalel Smotrich says the government are "prepared to establish three settlements", adding: "We must complete the conquest of the remaining 30%."
He adds: "The moment we receive the green light from the prime minister and the minister of defence."
It comes as Slovakia's foreign affairs minister warned that Lebanon must not become "another Gaza", while urging Israel to respect agreements made between the US and Iran.
Minister Juraj Blanar made the warning on Monday while speaking alongside Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares during a news conference in Bratislava.
The pair stressed the need for diplomatic solutions to conflicts in the Middle East, including the Gaza Strip and tensions involving Iran.
"We don't want Lebanon to be another part of Gaza, and therefore it is necessary for Israel to also abide by the agreements that were concluded between the United States of America and Iran," said Blanar.
After trading strikes over the weekend and with an apparent pause in attacks, the US is sending a high-level delegation to Qatar to hold talks with Iran, although Tehran has denied a meeting is happening.
The initial deal reached between the US and Iran – known as the Islamabad memorandum of understanding – only secures safe, toll-free passage of the strait for 60 days, pending the outcome of a final agreement on Tehran’s disputed nuclear plans.
As part of opening up the waterway, it said demining would be carried out by Iran.
The initial pact also leaves it to Tehran and Oman, in conjunction with other Gulf states, to “define the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz”.
In the meantime, Iran has continued to try and exert leverage over the channel, including demanding ships seek permission to transit and raising the spectre of future charges.
Following a meeting with the sultan of Oman in Paris, Macron posted on Twitter/X: “We are working together for de-escalation in the Middle East.
“We have decided to collaborate jointly, in co-ordination with our partners, on demining the strait to secure maritime routes and ensure free and unconditional passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”
In reply, Gharibabadi wrote: “Macron has said that he is co-operating with his partners in demining the Strait of Hormuz.
“According to the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, demining is carried out solely by Iran and by no other country, and we fundamentally do not permit any such thing.
“The situation is sensitive and complex. We strongly advise France not to complicate it further with its provocations.”
