Shas Party Backs Hostage Deal Amid Gaza Strategy Shift

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's major coalition partner, the Shas Party, declared its full support for a potential deal to free hostages from Hamas. This endorsement may involve significant changes in Gaza war strategy, despite opposition from far-right coalition members.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's biggest coalition partner said on Tuesday it would lend "full support" for a prospective deal to free hostages from Hamas captivity even if that would entails "far-reaching steps" in Gaza war strategy.

The statement by Shas, an ultra-Orthodox Jewish party that wields 11 of parliament's 120 seats, followed open opposition to such a deal by two far-right coalition partners. (Writing by Dan Williams)