Smotrich threatens to resign over exchange deal

Bezalel Smotrich, the Minister of Finance in the Israeli Occupation, criticized on Monday a proposed prisoner exchange deal and threatened to leave the government.

Smotrich stated, “I will not sign any deal to release a prisoner, even if it means ending my political career,” emphasizing that this is a non-negotiable red line.

He added that the release of prisoners is unacceptable and would force him out of the government. Smotrich accused the security services of the Israeli Occupation of pursuing an illegal deal at any cost.

He cited the negative consequences of previous deals, such as the Gabriel and Shalit deals, mentioning the release of Yahya Sinwar and subsequent events.

On Sunday, there were conflicting reports regarding Hamas' stance on ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip. Agence France-Presse quoted a senior Hamas leader stating that the movement had decided to halt the negotiations, which was later denied by Izzat Al-Rishq, another Hamas leader.

The Israeli Occupation continues its aggression against Gaza for the 283rd day, committing massacres and bombings that have resulted in the deaths of 38,584 Palestinians and injuries to 88,881 others.

In response to Israeli occupation violations, Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, launched Operation Aqsa Typhoon on October 7. In retaliation, the Israeli Occupation initiated a military operation called “Iron Swords,” conducting violent raids across the Gaza Strip, leading to hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, and widespread destruction of buildings and infrastructure.