Israeli Finance Minister Claims He'll Quit Over Gaza Agreement
The possible exit of the Religious Zionism Party from the coalition may result in the downfall of the Netanyahu government. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The potential withdrawal of the Religious Zionism Party from the coalition could result in the collapse of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, according to local media reports.
Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has expressed his condemnation of the Gaza ceasefire deal, indicating he may resign and remove his party from the ruling coalition.
The ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas, which had been anticipated for some time, was announced on Wednesday. It stipulates a six-week truce to commence on Sunday, concluding 15 months of conflict in Gaza. In the initial phase, 33 hostages currently held in Gaza will be released, along with Palestinians in Israeli prisons.
Smotrich referred to the agreement as "dangerous" for national security in a post on X on Wednesday. He stated, “A clear condition for our remaining in the government is absolute certainty of returning to war with great force,” emphasizing the need for “the destruction of the Hamas terrorist organization and the return of all the hostages to their homes.”
His party demands a return to military action following the initial phase of the Hamas deal, asserting that it will exit the government if such guarantees are not provided. Smotrich noted that he has engaged in “feverish conversations” with Netanyahu, adding, “He knows the detailed demands of Religious Zionism and the ball is in his hands.”
Reports suggest that Smotrich has requested written assurances from Netanyahu, who has indicated that the option to resume hostilities always remains. Netanyahu allegedly mentioned that Trump has promised support should Hamas fail to adhere to the agreement.
Meanwhile, Hebrew media have indicated that a delay in convening the cabinet to approve the ceasefire agreement was not due to Hamas reneging on its commitments, as claimed by Netanyahu’s Office, but rather that the prime minister is seeking a clear guarantee that Smotrich will remain in the government.
Hamas has denied allegations of violating the ceasefire agreement, asserting its commitment to the terms established by mediators.
Furthermore, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has reportedly threatened to withdraw his Otzma Yehudit Party from the coalition if the ceasefire deal moves forward, urging Smotrich to align with him.
Netanyahu has faced mounting pressure from far-right ministers within his coalition, while the opposition has been advocating for the government's resignation and early elections. Netanyahu has resisted these calls, arguing that such actions would “paralyze the state” and hinder negotiations with Hamas.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has expressed his condemnation of the Gaza ceasefire deal, indicating he may resign and remove his party from the ruling coalition.
The ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas, which had been anticipated for some time, was announced on Wednesday. It stipulates a six-week truce to commence on Sunday, concluding 15 months of conflict in Gaza. In the initial phase, 33 hostages currently held in Gaza will be released, along with Palestinians in Israeli prisons.
Smotrich referred to the agreement as "dangerous" for national security in a post on X on Wednesday. He stated, “A clear condition for our remaining in the government is absolute certainty of returning to war with great force,” emphasizing the need for “the destruction of the Hamas terrorist organization and the return of all the hostages to their homes.”
His party demands a return to military action following the initial phase of the Hamas deal, asserting that it will exit the government if such guarantees are not provided. Smotrich noted that he has engaged in “feverish conversations” with Netanyahu, adding, “He knows the detailed demands of Religious Zionism and the ball is in his hands.”
Reports suggest that Smotrich has requested written assurances from Netanyahu, who has indicated that the option to resume hostilities always remains. Netanyahu allegedly mentioned that Trump has promised support should Hamas fail to adhere to the agreement.
Meanwhile, Hebrew media have indicated that a delay in convening the cabinet to approve the ceasefire agreement was not due to Hamas reneging on its commitments, as claimed by Netanyahu’s Office, but rather that the prime minister is seeking a clear guarantee that Smotrich will remain in the government.
Hamas has denied allegations of violating the ceasefire agreement, asserting its commitment to the terms established by mediators.
Furthermore, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has reportedly threatened to withdraw his Otzma Yehudit Party from the coalition if the ceasefire deal moves forward, urging Smotrich to align with him.
Netanyahu has faced mounting pressure from far-right ministers within his coalition, while the opposition has been advocating for the government's resignation and early elections. Netanyahu has resisted these calls, arguing that such actions would “paralyze the state” and hinder negotiations with Hamas.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
