Religious Zionism reiterates opposition to hostage deal, demands resumption of fighting after first phase

Sam Sokol is the Times of Israel's political correspondent. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"

Religious Zionism MK Zvi Sukkot (L) arrives at a faction meeting in Jerusalem as the party considers resigning from government ahead of a cabinet vote on a ceasefire-hostage deal with Hamas. January 16, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Religious Zionism MK Zvi Sukkot (L) arrives at a faction meeting in Jerusalem as the party considers resigning from government ahead of a cabinet vote on a ceasefire-hostage deal with Hamas. January 16, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s far-right Religious Zionism party reiterates its opposition to the ceasefire-hostage agreement, insisting that its continued membership in the government hinges upon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s guarantee that the war will not end without the complete military defeat of Hamas.

“The faction stands behind the demands of the party chairman, Minister Bezalel Smotrich, to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to ensure Israel’s return to the war to destroy Hamas and the return of all the hostages, including a change in the concept of decisive victory, immediately upon the conclusion of the first phase of the deal,” the party declares in a statement, adding that this is the “condition for the party to remain in the government and coalition.”

The statement follows what Hebrew media reports indicate was an inconclusive Religious Zionism party faction meeting convened to discuss whether or not to bolt the coalition.

According to some reports, Smotrich has demanded some sort of written assurance from Netanyahu. However, this could throw a wrench into negotiations for the second phase of the deal, under which Hamas would release the remaining living captives in exchange for more security prisoners and the “complete withdrawal” of Israeli forces from Gaza, according to a draft agreement seen by the AP.

Speaking to Kan radio ahead of the meeting, Religious Zionism MK Zvi Sukkot said that “in all likelihood, we will resign from the government.”

According to an unconfirmed report by the pro-Netanyahu Channel 14, a delay in convening the cabinet to approve the agreement this morning was not the result of Hamas backing out of some agreements and creating a last-minute “crisis,” as claimed by the Prime Minister’s Office. Rather, it reports, Netanyahu is waiting for an explicit guarantee that Smotrich will not leave the government.

The governing coalition would still retain a slim majority of 61 seats if the seven Religious Zionism MKs were to resign.

Most Popular