New Israeli Escalation: Finance Minister Demands Decisive Confrontation with Hamas After Hostage Deal

Amid international and Arab welcome for the first stage of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has taken a hardline stance, announcing that he will not vote in favor of the deal during the government meeting. Smotrich, known for his far-right positions, insisted that "eradicating Hamas must remain the ultimate goal after the hostages’ return."

The minister also expressed deep concern over the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, some under death sentences, citing fears of "emptying Israeli prisons and releasing a new generation of terrorist leaders" as he put it. He stressed that "a return to the pre-October 7 situation is impossible," viewing the restoration of the previous status quo as no longer viable after the bloody escalation between Gaza and Israel.

Smotrich’s position, while stopping short of threatening to topple Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government, underscores his insistence on continuing military operations until the goal of dismantling Hamas is fully achieved and not merely returning the hostages.