Finance Minister and leader of the Zionist Religious Party, Bezalel Smotrich, voiced opposition to the proposed deal with Hamas during a faction meeting.
"This deal under discussion would mean a humiliating defeat for Israel and a victory for Sinwar," Smotrich declared.
"Such an agreement would spell death for hostages not included in the release and, God forbid, could lead to another massacre of thousands of Israelis," Smotrich warned.
Directly addressing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Smotrich asserted, "Mr. Prime Minister, this falls short of the complete victory you promised; it is a total failure. We refuse to support any deal that would amount to capitulation to Hamas. The people of Israel, the families of our fallen, and the IDF—both conscripts and reservists—demand victory. We cannot afford to let them down or jeopardize the security of our state."
