On Thursday afternoon, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s far-right Religious Zionism party reaffirmed its firm opposition to a ceasefire-hostage agreement in Gaza, making it clear that its continued participation in the government is contingent on the war not ending until Hamas is completely defeated.
In a statement, the party emphasized its unwavering support for Smotrich’s demands to Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. These include the resumption of military action to eradicate Hamas and the safe return of all hostages. The party also insists on revising the concept of “decisive victory” once the first phase of the deal concludes. The statement underscored that these conditions are non-negotiable for the party to remain in the government and coalition.
According to several Hebrew-language media outlets, Smotrich had pushed for guarantees from Netanyahu before the deal’s signing. If Netanyahu were to provide such assurances, however, it could complicate the ongoing negotiations and even jeopardize the deal’s success.
The party’s announcement followed a meeting within the faction that, according to media reports, failed to reach a clear decision on whether to leave the coalition. Ahead of the meeting, Religious Zionism MK Zvi Sukkot told national broadcaster Kan that the party would “most likely” resign from the government, stressing that his party’s mission was “to change the DNA of the State of Israel,” not merely to hold seats in the coalition.
Reports indicated that MK Simcha Rothman and Settlements and National Projects Minister Orit Strock are in favor of withdrawing from the coalition. Rothman and Sukkot did not respond to multiple requests for comment on Thursday.
The ultimatum came the day after Smotrich criticized the agreement, calling it a “bad and dangerous deal for the national security of the State of Israel.” He made it clear that his party’s continued participation in the coalition depends on Israel resuming its military campaign against Hamas until “complete victory” is achieved. “The prime minister and I have been conducting hectic talks on the matter. He knows what the detailed demands of Religious Zionism are, and the ball is in his hands,” Smotrich stated.
Yehuda Wald, the party’s director-general, also voiced opposition to the agreement, sharply criticizing Housing Minister Yitzchak Goldknopf, the leader of the United Torah Judaism party, for supporting the ceasefire. “When we have to go back and fight in Gaza to destroy Hamas, we will be there, not him. When we have to fight on the streets of Nablus and Jenin against released terrorists who will carry out attacks, we will be there, not him,” Wald said, referencing the low number of charedi soldiers as the debate over military service continues to stir controversy.
{Matzav.com Israel}