This demonstration came following an announcement that hostage deal negotiations made meaningful progress and that Hamas was willing to be more flexible with its demands.
During the plenum debate, shouting ensued, with Ta'al member of Knesset Ahmed Tibi saying, "A Palestinian state will be established Ras Ben Amo [Arabic slang for 'in spite of his opposition']".
While the interviewer emphasized the return of the hostages, the 134 hostages is of prime importance, Smotrich said, "No, that’s not the most important thing."
Day after failed ousting of MK Ofer Cassif, New Hope disappointed with four Blue and White members' absence during crucial vote, deepening political rifts.
“Our partnership is not political, it is a shared fate. At this time, we are all the soldiers of Israel," Gantz said.
"I care about one thing only – returning the hostages," Lapid said.
Lapid's criticism came in response to an interview with Ben-Gvir, where he said, “Instead of giving us his full backing, Biden is busy with humanitarian aid and fuel [to Gaza], which goes to Hamas."
"The prime minister needs to reprimand the national security minister, who, instead of taking care of internal security issues – is causing enormous damage to Israel's foreign relations," Gantz added
All in all, the coalition gained two seats, adding up to 46 total, while the opposition went down to 74, still making up a sizable majority of the Knesset’s 120.
Edelstein is one of the Likud members who is considered a possible successor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and his comment seemed to be a call on the party to choose a new leader.
JPOST Digital Library
