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Israel’s far-right Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, announced his firm opposition to the Gaza ceasefire agreement reached with Hamas on Thursday, stating he plans to vote against the deal.
Despite his disapproval, Smotrich made it clear that he does not intend to resign from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Smotrich warned of the risks posed by the deal, particularly the release of Palestinian prisoners.
“There is immense fear of the consequences of emptying the prisons and releasing the next generation of terrorist leaders who will do everything to continue to pour rivers of Jewish blood here, God forbid,” he wrote. “For this reason alone, we cannot join in short-sighted celebrations or vote in favour of the deal.”
While acknowledging his happiness over the expected return of Israeli hostages, Smotrich stressed that the military campaign should not end with their release.
“Immediately after the abductees return home, the state of Israel must continue to strive with all its strength to fully eradicate Hamas and completely demilitarise Gaza so that it no longer poses a threat to Israel,” he added.
