Jerusalem: Knesset member Simcha Rothman a prominent figure in the Religious Zionism party allied to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared on Monday that Israel should press for the “total surrender” of Hamas and voiced deep scepticism about the recently negotiated ceasefire arrangements.
Speaking to reporters, Rothman welcomed the return of released hostages but made clear his relief would remain incomplete until every captive is returned or accounted for. “(But) until I see the last one, I will not be quiet, of course. I don’t have any trust in Hamas, and I don’t think anyone in his right mind has trust in Hamas, so until I see the last one released or found, I will not be at peace,” he said.
Rothman whose party sits within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right wing coalition also criticised aspects of the ceasefire package, notably the release of Palestinian prisoners included in the deal. “Of course, we have our fears… some of us, including me, have criticism on parts of the deal. We don’t like (all of it),” he said, echoing reservations aired by other hard line ministers and lawmakers who opposed the agreement.
Turning to the broader strategic aim, Rothman urged the government to pursue an outcome that removes the threat posed by Hamas rather than merely pausing hostilities. “We are not happy with any deal that’s not total surrender of Hamas,” he said. “We should aim for total surrender of Hamas and the State of Israel being safe, not an option for another October 7th.”
His remarks reflect a deep fault line inside Israel’s governing coalition: while some leaders and diplomats framed the ceasefire as a pragmatic step to recover hostages and buy time for reconstruction and diplomacy, figures on the Religious Zionism right push for far tougher measures and insist on guarantees that prevent any repeat of the October 7 attacks.
Rothman’s stance underscores the political pressures facing Netanyahu’s government as it balances international calls for restraint and humanitarian coordination with domestic demands for uncompromising security guarantees. The debate over whether to accept partial concessions such as prisoner swaps in return for hostages is likely to remain a flashpoint in coming days, amplifying tensions inside a coalition already divided on the terms and goals of Israel’s response.