Smotrich threatens to topple government over ceasefire phase 2

from al Mayadeen English

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has threatened to bring down the Israeli government if the second phase of the ceasefire agreement with Gaza is implemented, which includes halting the ongoing fighting. 

"I will bring down the government if it does not return to fighting in a way that [leads to us] taking over the entire Gaza Strip and governing it," he added, bashing Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi as "weak in strategy".

In a controversial interview with Israeli public radio station Kan, Smotrich criticized the proposed prisoner exchange deal with Hamas, stressing that "the greatest strategic damage" of the ceasefire lies in the message it sends "that kidnapping Israelis brings the State of Israel to its knees."

Smotrich went on to say that "the only way to repair this damage and turn the deal into a tactical loss in battle rather than a strategic defeat in the war is to return to fighting until Hamas is destroyed."

Smotrich, who opposed the deal during a meeting of the Security Cabinet, further expressed concern that the deal mirrors one proposed in July. He warned that it could lead to the return of Hamas leaders to northern Gaza, specifically noting, "Nothing prevents Muhammed Deif from returning."...

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