Israel's far-right presses Netanyahu to go harder on Hamas
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Over 22 months into the war in Gaza, Israel is gripped by a yawning divide, pitting those calling for an end to the conflict and a deal for the release of the hostages against others who want to see Hamas vanquished once and for all.
The debate has only intensified after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet announced plans on Friday to expand the conflict and capture Gaza City.
While thousands took to the streets in Tel Aviv on Saturday night to protest the cabinet's decision, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich posted a video online, slamming Netanyahu's decision on Gaza as half-hearted.
'The prime minister and the cabinet gave in to weakness. Emotion overcame reason, and they once again chose to do more of the same – launching a military operation whose goal is not decisive victory, but rather to apply limited pressure on Hamas in order to bring about a partial hostage deal,' Smotrich said.
Nearly two years into the devastating war in Gaza, Israel faces mounting pressure to secure a truce to pull the territory's people back from the brink of famine and free hostages held by Palestinian militants. Photo: AFP
'They decided once again to repeat the same approach, embarking on a military operation that does not aim for a decisive resolution.'
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