Israel's coalition at risk as Religious Zionism Party rejects ceasefire terms

Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's far-right Religious Zionism Party has reiterated its staunch opposition to the current ceasefire-hostage agreement, demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu guarantees the continuation of military operations against Hamas. 

The party has made its continued participation in the government contingent on assurances that the war will only conclude with the complete defeat of Hamas, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

In a statement, the party declared its unwavering support for Smotrich's demands to Netanyahu, insisting that Israel must resume its campaign to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of all remaining hostages.

The statement further stipulated that the concept of "decisive victory" must be revised immediately following the first phase of the deal. The party warned that failing to meet these conditions would result in their withdrawal from the coalition.

This announcement follows an inconclusive meeting of the Religious Zionism party's faction, during which members debated whether to leave the government. According to Hebrew media reports, Smotrich has sought written assurances from Netanyahu, a move that could complicate ongoing negotiations for the second phase of the deal.

Under a draft agreement reportedly seen by the Associated Press, Hamas would release additional hostages in exchange for more security prisoners and a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.

Ahead of the meeting, Religious Zionism MK Zvi Sukkot suggested that the party was likely to resign from the government. Meanwhile, pro-Netanyahu Channel 14 reported that a delay in cabinet discussions on the agreement was not due to issues with Hamas, but rather Netanyahu’s efforts to secure Smotrich’s continued support.

If the Religious Zionism Party's seven MKs were to leave the coalition, the government would still retain a slim majority of 61 seats in the Knesset, leaving the future of the government and its strategy in Gaza uncertain.

By Aghakazim Guliyev