Israel’s far right finance minister says will not vote in favor of Gaza deal

Jewish men observe smoke rising to the sky after an explosion in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel. (AP)

JERUSALEM: Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he opposed the Gaza ceasefire deal reached between Israel and Hamas on Thursday, insisting that he would vote against it.
He did not, however, threaten to resign from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
“There is immense fear of the consequences of emptying the prisons and releasing the next generation of terrorist leaders who will do everything to continue to pour rivers of Jewish blood here, God forbid,” Smotrich said on X.
“For this reason alone, we cannot join in short-sighted celebrations or vote in favor of the deal.”
Smotrich expressed joy at the expected return of all hostages, but insisted that the war must not end once they are home.
“Immediately after the abductees return home, the state of Israel must continue to strive with all its strength to fully eradicate Hamas and completely demilitarise Gaza so that it no longer poses a threat to Israel,” he said.