Finance Minister Smotrich Threatens to Leave Government Over Hostage Deal; Opposition Leader Gantz May Step In
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned Tuesday that he is prepared to leave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition if the government accepts a proposed ceasefire and hostage release agreement with Hamas.
Speaking after a meeting of his Religious Zionism faction, Smotrich accused the war cabinet of making “strategic concessions that endanger the State of Israel.” He said he was “ready to pay the political price” to prevent what he described as an “existential threat” — the release of convicted terrorists and the survival of Hamas in Gaza. “Acceptance of the deal that is on the table means unequivocally waving a white flag and granting victory to Hamas,” he declared.
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National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir echoed Smotrich’s stance, claiming he had “warned” Netanyahu of the consequences of what he called a “reckless deal.” Both far-right leaders have previously threatened to dissolve the government if Israel agrees to a ceasefire before Hamas is fully defeated.
War cabinet observer Gadi Eisenkot criticized Smotrich and Ben Gvir for “blackmailing with political threats,” saying such actions damage Israel’s security. He insisted decisions must be based on national interests, not political calculations.
Meanwhile, reports suggest opposition leader Benny Gantz is considering rejoining the coalition to support a hostage deal. Gantz, who left Netanyahu’s government earlier this year, now leads a diminished faction with only seven Knesset seats — insufficient to offset the potential departure of Smotrich’s seven and Ben Gvir’s six.
The political uncertainty comes as Egypt mediates a proposal for a 60-day truce that would secure the release of 10 Israeli hostages. Polling indicates 54% of Israelis support a deal, though Netanyahu’s government remains divided over whether to press ahead with a military victory in Gaza or accept a temporary pause in fighting.
