Smotrich: We backed truce deal because it became clear it advances war goals

The Religious Zionism party says its three ministers ultimately overcame their initial opposition to the hostage deal and voted for it after being convinced that the push to uproot Hamas would continue after the four-day ceasefire.

“It is no secret that before the cabinet discussion, we thought otherwise,” writes party head Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in a statement, noting that during the debate they were convinced that “repatriating hostages would advance the goals of the war and that the government, the cabinet and the entire defense establishment were unreservedly committed to continuing the war until the destruction of Hamas.”

Smotrich cites unspecified “clear mechanisms” within the deal to prevent “future machinations and surrender to [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar’s manipulation.”

The far-right leader thanks Israel’s military for creating what he says is the pressure required to have brought a hostage deal to the table.

“We have no intention of stopping, on the contrary – the political echelon stands behind you, believes in you, and is convinced that you will complete the job, destroy the Hamas Nazis in Gaza, and restore security and national dignity to the citizens of Israel,” he adds.