Security cabinet observers Amsalem, Strock join Ben Gvir and Smotrich in voting against hostage deal
Security cabinet observers David Amsalem (Likud) and Orit Strock (Religious Zionism) joined far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich in voting against the hostage deal.
Amsalem and Strock’s votes didn’t count, and the vote passed with 9 for and two against.
The network says that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted to cabinet members that Israel will likely resume fighting after the first phase — likely in violation of the deal’s terms — as he seeks to prevent hardline ministers from bolting the government.
Responding to those reports, the Hostages Forum representing the vast majority of families of Gaza captives issues a statement warning the government against breaching the hostage deal after the first phase.