Smotrich announces decision to remain in Netanyahu's government

"Israel's" Channel 12 reported that the Israeli Occupation's Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, announced his decision to remain in the government following an agreement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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The agreement includes a commitment to fully implement the objectives of the war, including "eliminating Hamas."

Smotrich stated that achieving "victory" requires complete control over the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the need to prevent any aid from reaching Hamas. He explained that this is the path to achieving the war's goals, including the return of all captives and the total destruction of the movement.

He added that he received a commitment to change the war strategy toward achieving decisive victory through the gradual takeover of Gaza.

Smotrich strongly criticized Netanyahu's approval of what he described as a "bad and disastrous" deal, claiming it poses a threat to Tel Aviv's national security and undermines the military gains achieved.

He affirmed his opposition to any steps that could lead to ending the war without achieving a complete victory, stressing his rejection of any excuses or concessions that could harm what he referred to as "national security."

He also clarified that he would not support any government that retreats from the goal of completely eradicating Hamas.