Right-Wing Israeli Ministers Slam Proposed Hostage Deal as Betrayal
Israeli Minister Orit Strock of the Settlements and National Projects on Wednesday vehemently rejected the idea of a hostage deal being negotiated in Egypt, labeling the government’s potential approval as a betrayal of IDF soldiers and Israel’s war aims. Strock argued on Army Radio that the government was discarding the sacrifices of soldiers “to save 22 people or 33 or I don’t know how many,” suggesting such an administration “has no right to exist.”
Her remarks have drawn sharp rebukes across the political spectrum. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid criticized the composition of the current government, while Minister Chili Tropper of National Unity, despite sharing the cabinet table with Strock, accused her of gross insensitivity toward the hostages’ plight.
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Additionally, the Movement for Quality Government in Israel has called for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to dismiss Strock, citing a need for unity and responsible governance rather than division and populism.
Similarly, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, another key figure from the far-right Religious Zionism party, threatened on Tuesday to leave the coalition over the deal, which he views as an existential threat to Israel. He articulated a dilemma between endorsing a potentially popular but dangerous deal and standing by his principles to oppose what he believes would be a catastrophic error, leading to strategic concessions to Hamas.
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has also opposed the deal, fearing it would lead to significant security risks without adequately defeating Hamas. In contrast, National Unity Minister Gadi Eisenkot and Benny Gantz have stated that they advocate for a decision based on national interest rather than political gains, with Gantz stressing that ignoring security service recommendations could delegitimize the government.
