Israel’s far-right Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, stated on Monday that Hamas militants must relinquish their weapons and leave Gaza before a cabinet meeting to consider the next phase of the truce.
Smotrich stated in a video statement on February 17, 2025, that he “will demand a vote” by ministers to “issue a clear ultimatum to Hamas to immediately release all hostages, leave Gaza for other countries, and lay down your arms,” as part of US President Donald Trump’s “plan,” adding that if the Palestinian militant group refused, “Israel will open the gates of hell.”
Details shortly.
