Smotrich’s Condition: Netanyahu Must Commit to Resuming the Gaza War After the First Phase

The Religious Zionism bloc insists on Smotrich’s demands from Prime Minister Netanyahu, which include “a commitment to resume the war, destroy Hamas, and secure the return of all captives, with a shift in the concept of decisiveness and victory, immediately after the first phase of the deal. This condition is pivotal for the party’s continued presence in the government and coalition.”

However, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, Kan, citing unnamed sources familiar with the negotiations, reported that “any commitment by Netanyahu to his political partners to resume combat after the first phase would constitute a violation of the agreement and could jeopardize the first phase of the deal.”

Separately, an Israeli official told Channel 13 News that during a situation assessment conducted by Netanyahu earlier that day, it was stated that if there is no breakthrough within a few hours, he would consider recalling the Israeli delegation from Qatar. The official, close to Netanyahu, clarified that “if Hamas does not back down from its position, no agreement will be reached.” According to the channel, mediators conveyed a message to the Israeli delegation expressing their expectations for resolving the crisis soon.

The channel also quoted a political official as saying, “Contrary to false reports, Israel will not withdraw from the Salah al-Din (Philadelphi) axis. Israel will remain in the axis throughout the first phase (of the deal), lasting 42 days. The number of forces will remain the same but will be deployed differently, including military posts, patrols, and monitoring and control along the axis. During the first phase, starting on the 16th day, negotiations to end the war will begin. If Hamas does not agree to Israel’s demand to end the war (achieve the war’s objectives), Israel will remain in the Salah al-Din (Philadelphi) axis on the 42nd day and the 50th day. In other words, Israel will remain practically in Salah al-Din (Philadelphi) indefinitely.”

Although Hamas and mediators announced reaching a prisoner exchange and ceasefire agreement in Gaza, Netanyahu, who had delayed reaching an agreement since November 2023, has not officially declared an agreement. Additionally, his office claimed early Thursday morning that Hamas had backed away from some understandings.

Netanyahu’s office continues to allege that Hamas has reneged on certain understandings regarding the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, preventing him from convening the political and security cabinet (the “cabinet”) to approve it. A statement from Netanyahu’s office on Thursday said, “Hamas is retreating from understandings and creating a last-minute crisis that prevents reaching an agreement. Hamas is backtracking on explicit agreements made with mediators and Israel in an attempt at last-minute extortion. Israel will not schedule a cabinet meeting or a government session until mediators announce that Hamas has agreed to all details of the agreement.”

The Israeli security and political cabinet meeting was initially scheduled for Thursday morning, followed by a government session to approve the agreement announced the previous evening. However, the meeting was postponed after Netanyahu’s office claimed that Hamas had reneged on certain understandings, a claim denied by Hamas.

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority indicated that the main reason for the postponement was Netanyahu’s wait for a decision by the Religious Zionism Party. The withdrawal of the “Jewish Power” and “Religious Zionism” factions from the government could topple it. A deal between Ben Gvir and Smotrich could prevent the agreement, but Ben Gvir alone lacks the numbers to bring down the government. Together, Ben Gvir and Smotrich hold 14 seats in the Knesset out of 120, which is enough to topple the government. Ben Gvir alone has only six seats. The ruling coalition currently holds 68 Knesset seats, and under Israel’s political system, the government needs 61 seats to remain in power.