Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has threatened to bring down the Israeli government if the second phase of the ceasefire agreement with Gaza is implemented, which includes halting the ongoing fighting. 

"I will bring down the government if it does not return to fighting in a way that [leads to us] taking over the entire Gaza Strip and governing it," he added, bashing Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi as "weak in strategy".

In a controversial interview with Israeli public radio station Kan, Smotrich criticized the proposed prisoner exchange deal with Hamas, stressing that "the greatest strategic damage" of the ceasefire lies in the message it sends "that kidnapping Israelis brings the State of Israel to its knees."

Smotrich went on to say that "the only way to repair this damage and turn the deal into a tactical loss in battle rather than a strategic defeat in the war is to return to fighting until Hamas is destroyed."

Smotrich, who opposed the deal during a meeting of the Security Cabinet, further expressed concern that the deal mirrors one proposed in July. He warned that it could lead to the return of Hamas leaders to northern Gaza, specifically noting, "Nothing prevents Muhammed Deif from returning."

Smotrich says Gaza deal a 'catastrophe', displays thirst for genocide

The Gaza ceasefire deal is a "catastrophic agreement", Smotrich said on Saturday.

Smotrich expressed sharp criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu and the newly approved deal for the release of captives, labeling it as a catastrophic agreement that jeopardizes national security and undermines the "progress" achieved during the war.

Although his vehement opposition to the establishment of the ceasefire bore no fruits, he emphasized his commitment to ensuring the war’s objectives remain intact, particularly the impossible goal of dismantling the Hamas Resistance movement in Gaza.

The far-right minister also revealed that before the agreement was approved, he had firmly advocated for the gradual takeover and occupation of Gaza to gain comprehensive control over the territory and halt humanitarian aid from allegedly reaching Hamas.

Although Smotrich's vision for Gaza and the Israeli war collapsed with the agreement, he bitterly expressed his genocidal intents.

"Look at Gaza—it lies in ruins, uninhabitable, and it will remain so. Do not be swayed by the forced celebrations of our enemies. They are a barbaric society that glorifies death and dances on the ruins of their own lives. Soon enough, we will once again erase their smiles and replace them with cries of despair and the wails of those left with nothing," he said.

Admitting defeat, Smotrich urged illegal settlers to remain steadfast and persevere "until victory is achieved".

He then reaffirmed his position, stating that he would not remain in a government that halts the war prematurely or fails to secure a definitive victory. He called on citizens to stay resilient and united, vowing to continue the fight until all captives are returned and Hamas is eliminated.

The internal divisions within the Israeli government are also highlighted by Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's resignation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet in opposition to the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Ben-Gvir's exit, joined by two other ministers from his nationalist-religious Otzma Yehudit party, emphasizes the instability of Netanyahu's coalition, which now confronts growing challenges in reconciling conflicting perspectives within its ranks.