The statement indicated that Smotrich did not receive the assurances he demanded in an earlier meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The post In ultimatum to PM, Smotrich comes out against ‘dangerous’ hostage deal appeared first on The Times of Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to have finally relented. After more than a year of refusing to agree to an end to the war in Gaza, he is now pushing through a ceasefire that – mediators insist – will do just that.

Talks between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich regarding the hostage deal progressed significantly on Friday. Smotrich's demands from the prime minister that Israel will continue the war in Gaza and that Israel will have control over the distribution of humanitarian aid have been accepted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was dealing with headwinds from his own coalition Thursday after right-wing members expressed their unhappiness with the Israel–Hamas ceasefire agreement. Two members of his governing coalition,

The post Religious Zionism reiterates opposition to hostage deal, demands resumption of fighting after first phase appeared first on The Times of Israel.

Smotrich's far-right party said to demand up-front guarantees from PM; MK Sukkot: 'In all likelihood, we will resign from the government'

The Israeli prime minister has to convince his right-wing base that the arguments he made against ending the war for 15 months no longer apply.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir sparked outcry Monday when he claimed he had repeatedly foiled a hostage-ceasefire deal with Hamas over the past year, while calling on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to again join him in thwarting an emerging agreement.