Former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gavir has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policy on the Palestinian Gaza Strip. He said that Israel has become the 'laughing stock' of the Middle East. Anadolu Agency reports.

In an interview with a local radio station, the hard-right Israeli politician condemned the Netanyahu government for waging war in Gaza. He said, "We have become the laughing stock of the Middle East and I am not sure if we have realized it yet. I was the only person in the government who opposed providing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Because this position could have completely changed the situation in Gaza."

Criticizing Netanyahu's response to US pressure, Ben-Gavir said, "You can't govern a state based solely on external pressure. Israel shouldn't have allowed fuel and humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza. Because it benefits Hamas."

He added, "We need to launch an initiative to encourage voluntary immigration. President Trump said there is time, but for the sake of Israel, we don't have time to waste."

Ben-Gavir said, "Netanyahu will not return to government until he promises to destroy Hamas."

Ben-Gavir resigned from Netanyahu's government in January over his opposition to the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner swap deal. Since then, he has been calling for "voluntary immigration" to oust Palestinians from Gaza.