The Religious Zionism Party’s potential withdrawal from the coalition could lead to the Netanyahu government’s collapse
Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has condemned the Gaza ceasefire deal, threatening to resign and pull his Religious Zionism Party out of the ruling coalition. The move would likely bring down Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, according to local media.
The long-anticipated ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas was announced on Wednesday. Under the terms, a six-week truce will be observed starting from Sunday, ending 15 months of fighting in Gaza. Under the first phase, 33 hostages held in Gaza will be freed, as well as Palestinians held in Israeli jails.
Smotrich described the pact as “dangerous” for national security, in a post on X on Wednesday.
“A clear condition for our remaining in the government is absolute certainty of returning to war with great force,” he added, urging the “destruction of the Hamas terrorist organization and the return of all the hostages to their homes.”
His party has also demanded a return to the war after the first phase of the deal with Hamas is over, saying that if such assurances are not given, it will withdraw from the government.
Smotrich wrote that he had had “feverish conversations” with Netanyahu. “He knows the detailed demands of Religious Zionism and the ball is in his hands.”
The politician has reportedly demanded written assurance from Netanyahu, and the prime minister said that it will always be possible to go back to war. Netanyahu even reportedly told Smotrich that Trump has promised support if Hamas does not comply with the agreement.
Hebrew-language media have reported that a delay in convening the cabinet on Thursday to approve the agreement was not the result of Hamas backing out of some agreements and creating a last-minute “crisis,” as alleged by Netanyahu’s Office. The prime minister is reportedly waiting for an explicit guarantee that Smotrich will not leave the government.
Hamas has rejected claims of violating the deal, stating that it is “committed” to the ceasefire agreement, which was announced by mediators.
According to Israeli media reports, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has threatened to pull his Otzma Yehudit Party from the coalition if the ceasefire deal is ratified, and has called on Smotrich to join forces.
Netanyahu had been under pressure from far-right ministers within his coalition. The opposition has for months been calling for the government’s resignation and early elections, which Netanyahu has refused to accept, claiming it would “paralyze the state” and freeze negotiations with Hamas.
