Settlements and National Projects Minister Orit Strock faced strong backlash on Wednesday for her rejection of the ongoing hostage deal negotiations in Egypt. She labeled the deal “terrible” and claimed that approving it would betray IDF soldiers and Israel’s war objectives.
Strock’s comments drew criticism from Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, who tweeted that a government with extremist coalition members should not exist. National Unity Minister Chili Tropper, a colleague of Strock’s, accused her of being insensitive towards the hostages, emphasizing the importance of saving lives according to Jewish values.
The Movement for Quality Government in Israel called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to dismiss Strock, stating that Israel needs unity and responsibility, not political divisiveness.
Shir Siegel, whose father is among the hostages in Gaza, condemned Strock’s remarks, describing them as showing disregard for human life.
This isn’t the first time Strock has criticized Israel’s approach to the conflict with Hamas. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, leader of Strock’s Religious Zionism party, also expressed opposition to the deal, suggesting that he might leave the coalition if it goes ahead.
Smotrich argued that while he sympathizes with the hostages’ suffering, he’s concerned about the potential consequences for Israeli civilians if Hamas gains strength. He warned against accepting the deal, claiming it would amount to surrendering to Hamas.
He stressed the need for decisive victory in the conflict and criticized any government that caves to international pressure or agrees to terms that allow Hamas to continue existing in any form.
