Israeli settler leaders urge Netanyahu to attack Gaza again as soon as the captives are freed

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/37332249

By Nadav Rapaport in Tel Aviv, Israel
Published date: 9 October 2025 14:12 BST

Though the Gaza ceasefire deal has prompted celebrations in Israel in anticipation that the remaining captives will soon be released, discontent is rumbling among the powerful Israeli right wing, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich insisting the war is not over.

The Israeli religious right, most prominently represented by Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have for two years pushed for a total takeover of the Gaza Strip, including illegal Jewish settlement there, and fought against previous ceasefire deals.

So far, Ben Gvir has yet to comment on the deal. Smotrich, meanwhile, posted a statement on X saying he will not vote for the agreement but nonetheless taking credit for it seeing all living captives - estimated to be 20 - being released at once and immediately.