The post Smotrich says Netanyahu vowed Israel to pursue ‘gradual takeover’ of entire Gaza Strip appeared first on The Times of Israel.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich presents Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with list of demands to ensure Israel's security - even if a ceasefire deal with Hamas is signed.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an offer to Religious Zionist Chairman Bezalel Smotrich and Otzma Yehudit Chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir, in exchange for their consent to stay in the government.

Jerusalem: Israel's far-right finance minister has threatened to topple Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition if he doesn't resume the war in Gaza after the first phase of the ceasefire expires in six weeks.

JERUSALEM -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be flying high ... On Monday, a second hard-liner, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, vowed to follow suit if Netanyahu doesn ...

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is openly threatening to pull his Otzma Yehudit Party from Netanyahu’s coalition over the deal and has called for Smotrich to join him. Meanwhile, Israeli leaders from both sides of the political aisle came out in favor of the hostage deal.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is in a delicate position between his coalition and U.S. President Trump, who is pushing for a Gaza ceasefire. The ceasefire's first phase is underway, but pressure mounts from far-right allies for resumed conflict.

Far-right Otzma Yehudit leader says over the past year 'we managed to prevent this deal from going ahead, time after time'; Religious Zionism party said set to meet Netanyahu

Smotrich's far-right party said to demand up-front guarantees from PM; MK Sukkot: 'In all likelihood, we will resign from the government'

The prime minister’s Likud Party reportedly tried to persuade MK Zvika Fogel to split from Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit.

Many Israelis blame the prime minister for sabotaging a hostage deal. Others can’t bear the release of terrorists.

Israel's top general resigned on Tuesday, citing the security and intelligence failures related to Hamas' surprise attack that triggered the war in the Gaza Strip. Israel meanwhile launched a large operation in the occupied West Bank, killing at least eight people, according to Palestinian officials.