Smotrich says he won’t quit coalition, will attempt to ‘change course’ of government

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says that he will remain a member of the government because he believes “its course can be changed,” only days after announcing that he’d “lost faith” in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war strategy in Gaza.

Speaking with the Kan public broadcaster, the Religious Zionism party chairman continues to criticize the premier, stating that “Netanyahu may not be able to withstand domestic and foreign pressures” and make the correct decision.

“After 22 months of following him and supporting him,” last week’s cabinet decision to approve a plan to conquer Gaza City “unfortunately does not lead us to victory,” Smotrich continues. “You cannot take the army, put it into this maneuver that could have a high price – and then stop in the middle.”

“The proposal is intended to put pressure on Hamas and bring it back to the negotiating table in order to go for a partial deal again that would abandon half of the hostages and stop the war again,” he warns, adding that “even the very friendly US administration is starting to lose patience.”

Smotrich, who has previously opposed the expansion of humanitarian aid into Gaza, also criticizes Netanyahu for having “failed to get the army to take responsibility for the humanitarian space.”

Despite this criticism, and threats by party lawmakers to bolt the government, Smotrich indicates that he will not leave for now.

“The train has gone off the rails, but I’m staying on it, because I believe that its course can be changed,” he says, demanding that large chunks of Gaza remain under Israeli control and sovereignty so that they can be settled, “because that’s the only way to maintain security.”

“This is not the prime minister’s plan, I’m aware of that, but it’s a debate that I don’t think is right to have right now.”