Far-right leaders embrace Trump call to return to war if hostages not freed

US President Donald Trump speaks to the press after signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 10, 2025. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)
US President Donald Trump speaks to the press after signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 10, 2025. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)

Israeli far-right leaders embrace US President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Israel end a ceasefire in Gaza and resume fighting if all remaining hostages are not freed by the end of the week.

“Everybody, now,” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich posts on X.

Otzma Yehudit leader MK Itamar Ben Gvir says “Trump is correct. Return to destroying now.”

“As far as I’m concerned, if all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 o’clock, I think it’s an appropriate time. I would say, cancel it and all bets are off and let hell break out. I’d say they ought to be returned by 12 o’clock on Saturday,” Trump told reporters.

His comments came after the Hamas terror group said it was delaying the release of hostages slated for Saturday, placing fresh doubts on whether the fraught truce will hold.

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