Description: Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s Finance Minister has labeled the potential Gaza peace talks as a National Security Catastrophe. He stated that Prime Minister Netanyahu should continue the war until Hamas’ complete and unconditional surrender and the return of the Israeli hostages in their captivity. Smotrich’s statements have been received with a dose of precaution especially since the Israeli public and families concerned with the kidnapped individuals are calling for peace talks.
Impact: Under the careful eye of the international community Israel is at an impasse when it comes to its priorities in the context of the current Gaza situation. Both Hamas and Hezbollah have been depleted since Iran has lost traction and operational clout in the region, while Israel started taking over parts of territory in Syria. In light of the recent efforts made to bring both Israel and Palestine to the negotiating table by US, Egypt and Qatar, Israel could both enforce their agenda towards the hostage resolution while refusing to respect the ceasefire agreement, significantly having the upper hand in the conflict, further destabilizing the region.