Betzalel Smotrich. (Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Responding to Defense Minister Gallant's call today (Sunday) on the cabinet to reverse its decision to hold onto the Philadelphi Corridor so a hostage deal could be secured and more murders prevented, Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich issued a sharp rebuke, saying "the cabinet will not approve a surrender deal."
Smotrich, who is also a cabinet member said that the cabinet will not abandon Israeli security, and will instead instruct the IDF and security forces to exact heavy costs from Hamas.
The Prime Minister also said that they would continue to strive for a deal which both releases the hostages and ensures Israel's continued security and existence.