Israeli Finance Minister Demands Complete Annihilation of Hamas

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for the Gaza offensive to continue until Hamas is completely destroyed and all hostages are rescued. Smotrich, leader of the far-right Religious Zionism party, also opposes any interim truce measures, including withdrawal of Israeli troops and return of Palestinians to northern Gaza.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich demanded on Saturday that the Gaza offensive be pursued until Hamas is destroyed and all hostages held by the Palestinian militants are rescued, saying he would not stay in government otherwise.

In a post on X, Smotrich, head of the far-right Religious Zionism party, said he also opposed any interim truce measures like a withdrawal of Israeli troops, return of Palestinians to northern Gaza or a large-scale release of security prisoners. (Writing by Dan Williams)