Bezalel Smotrich is a far-right Israeli lawmaker and leader of the Religious Zionist Party, who currently serves as the country's finance minister as well as a minister in the Defense Ministry. In the past, Smotrich also served as transportation minister.
Smotrich is a highly divisive figure in Israeli politics, having been accused of racism, extremism, and homophobia. Smotrich has also gone on record saying that he is a "proud homophobe," staunch support for Israel's West Bank settlements, and rejects both the future existence of a Palestinian state as well as the existence of the Palestinian people.
The right wing minister called the deal 'reckless' and claimed it emboldens Hamas.
The statement indicated that Smotrich did not receive the assurances he demanded in an earlier meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Even if Ben-Gvir and Smotrich oppose the deal, the agreement will still have a majority in government and is still likely to pass.
"In the past year, through our political power, we succeeded in preventing this deal from moving forward, time and time again," he noted.
Following several announcements by Hamas to foreign media sources that a hostage deal is imminent, Israeli political figures from across the spectrum have begun weighing in.
According to the statement, the Prime Minister instructed the parties to reach finalized agreements within seven days.
Now is the time to continue at full strength, conquer and clean the entire Strip, Smotrich said.
DOMESTIC AFFAIRS | Knesset approves benefits for war-affected businesses in Israel's North, but owners say delayed payments and narrow eligibility are forcing some to close shop.
Benefits will include housing stipends and compensation for property damage, aiming to support recovery and long-term regional growth.
Coalition to face challenges including budget and haredi IDF draft laws in upcoming year.
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