If MK Tzvi Sukkot proposes, in the context of the ongoing war, that abandoning the objectives ought to lead to another round of elections.
Minister Bezalel Smotrich and MK Zvi Sukkot of the Religious Zionism Party have taken a hardline stance on Gaza policy and the Israeli coalition, advocating for strict control over Gaza and rejecting humanitarian aid to northern Gaza.
Smotrich, a vocal critic of the ongoing Gaza conflict, has expressed his disapproval of the current approach, stating that it is not a path to victory. He has gone as far as to call the decision to send tens of thousands of soldiers to maneuver in Gaza City an immoral and nonsensical folly.
The minister has also proposed the annexation of large parts of the Gaza Strip and the opening of its gates to voluntary emigration. He has insisted that Gaza will come under Israeli control after the war, and has called for the removal of Palestinians from Gaza, effectively opposing any independent Palestinian entity there.
Smotrich's stance on hostage deal negotiations has been equally firm. He has rejected a partial move that only seeks to bring Hamas back to the negotiation table, calling it a national embarrassment and surrender to terrorism. Instead, he has suggested reconvening the cabinet and announcing a clear move of decisive victory, ending with Hamas's total surrender and the return of all hostages in one wave, or its total defeat and destruction.
Smotrich has lost confidence that the Prime Minister is able and willing to lead the IDF to a decisive victory. This loss of faith, combined with his public criticism of the military's management of political directives, has led to a deep dissatisfaction with the current war strategies.
Regarding the Israeli coalition and political maneuvers, Smotrich was involved in planned Knesset seat adjustments in early 2025 to balance Religious Zionism and Otzma Yehudit representation. These plans involved his resignation and replacement by Zvi Sukkot, but such moves were subject to negotiation and alteration.
Their harsh criticism of current coalition decisions and reports of political tension suggest high dissatisfaction with the government's policies and handling of the Gaza war. Although no direct statement from them about calling for the dissolution of the Knesset appears, their stances and actions contribute to the political dynamics pushing for it.
In summary, Smotrich and Sukkot advocate for strict control over Gaza, oppose humanitarian aid to northern Gaza, and reject Israeli withdrawals from captured areas. Their public criticism of the government and military policies in the Gaza conflict, combined with their involvement in coalition maneuvers, reflect ongoing instability within the Israeli government and may contribute to calls for Knesset dissolution and new elections.
War-and-conflicts continue to be a central focus in Israeli politics, with Minister Bezalel Smotrich and MK Zvi Sukkot of the Religious Zionism Party voicing strong opinions on Gaza policy and the Israeli coalition. They have advocated for stricter control over Gaza, refused humanitarian aid to northern Gaza, and expressed opposition to any Israeli withdrawal from captured areas (policy-and-legislation). In addition, they have publicly criticized the government's handling of the Gaza war and made political moves to influence the Israeli coalition, contributing to the political dynamics pushing for Knesset dissolution and new elections (general-news).
