Smotrich undecided on hostage deal at this ‘fateful moment’

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks in a video statement issued on January 15, 2025 (Screencapture/X. Used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks in a video statement issued on January 15, 2025 (Screencapture/X. Used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich indicates he is still undecided whether to support the emerging hostage-ceasefire deal with Hamas.

After several consultations, including with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the far-right Religious Zionism leader issues a video statement saying that “we are at a crucial and fateful moment for the security, future and existence of the State of Israel.”

Smotrich does not indicate how he plans to vote, stating that his only priority is “how to fully achieve the goals of the war, total victory, the complete military and civil destruction of Hamas, and returning the hostages home.”

“I won’t rest or be silent until we achieve these goals,” he says.

Smotrich has previously opposed similar proposals.

Yesterday, fellow far-right leader Itamar Ben Gvir called on Smotrich to join him in rejecting the deal and bolting the government if it goes through.

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