Smotrich Criticizes Netanyahu Over Gaza War Strategy

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has publicly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming Netanyahu is no longer committed to a decisive victory in Gaza and denouncing the cabinet-approved plan to conquer Gaza City as insufficient. Smotrich has called for annexing large parts of Gaza and supporting voluntary migration, while demanding an end to war pauses and partial hostage deals, which he argues benefit Hamas. He accused Netanyahu and the cabinet of prioritizing temporary deals over total victory, risking soldiers' lives and undermining the war's objectives. Despite his strong rebuke, Smotrich has not explicitly threatened to leave the government, though he now refuses to support the current approach. The Israeli army controls much of Gaza, with ongoing operations displacing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Meanwhile, Hamas has signaled willingness to negotiate a ceasefire through mediators, highlighting internal and external divisions over the war's direction.