National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said on Wednesday that he had contacted Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to request an urgent meeting aimed at coordinating their opposition to a developing agreement involving the release of hostages.
But individuals close to Smotrich pushed back, asserting, “We did not receive a request from Ben-Gvir, and no meeting was arranged with him today. Victory in Gaza is too significant and the lives of the hostages too dear for media spin.”
In response to the denial, Ben-Gvir’s office released a screenshot showing a message sent earlier in the day to Smotrich’s staff, attempting to arrange the meeting. The timestamp indicated that the message was sent after reports of Ben-Gvir’s initiative had already been made public.
As the debate over the proposed deal intensified, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid assured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that his Yesh Atid faction would back the government if Otzma Yehudit and the Religious Zionist Party decide to withdraw from the coalition in protest of the agreement.
Lapid wrote: “Netanyahu, to counter Ben-Gvir and Smotrich’s 13 fingers (votes), you have my 23 fingers as a safety net for a hostage deal. We need to bring them all home now.”
Minister Gideon Sa’ar weighed in, stating: “There is a large majority in the government, and also among the public, in favor of a framework to release hostages. If such an opportunity arises, we must not miss it.”
Adding his voice, Yisrael Beytenu Chairman MK Avigdor Liberman said: “‘There is no greater mitzva (commandment) than redeeming captives.’ We must bring all the hostages home now.”
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump revealed on Tuesday that Israel had accepted terms that would enable a temporary halt to fighting in Gaza and the release of hostages.
“My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60-Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War,” the President wrote on Truth Social.
“The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added.
{Matzav.com Israel}