Smotrich: Hamas must be destroyed; I will not agree to a ceasefire without that

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Thursday that Hamas “must be completely destroyed after the return of the hostages from Gaza.”

In a strongly worded statement, he added that he would not support any ceasefire agreement that ends the war without first destroying this militant organization.

Although he opposed a peace agreement, he also stated that his opposition would not lead to the collapse of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government.

Smotrich is thus continuing to pressure the government not to soften its stance toward Hamas, even after possible peace negotiations.

(reuters, lup)