Israel's Leader Faces Divide Over Gaza Deal

Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's far-right finance minister, recently pledged to block any deal to stop the war in Gaza. This came as other top officials mentioned advancements in negotiating a truce. Indirect talks, led by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, are underway in Doha to secure a ceasefire and free hostages still held in Gaza. Smotrich strongly opposed the deal, calling it a disaster for Israel's security. He argued that releasing dangerous terrorists and halting the war would waste efforts and leave hostages behind. Smotrich favored intensifying military actions to control the Gaza Strip fully. He suggested managing humanitarian aid to prevent misuse by Hamas. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed efforts to reach an agreement that would release the captives. At a joint press conference with Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Saar said there had been progress in the hostage release negotiations. He emphasized Israel's determination to free the captives. Smotrich's perspective revealed deep divisions within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition regarding a deal. Although Netanyahu might secure enough support for the deal without Smotrich, past negotiations failed due to disagreements on a permanent ceasefire, humanitarian aid scale, and other issues such as the return of displaced Gazans and border reopenings. The war began after Hamas attacked in October 2023, causing significant casualties on both sides. Over 1, 200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and 46, 584 Gazans, mostly civilians, have died.