Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for endorsing U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Smotrich called it “absurd” to celebrate the plan, describing Netanyahu’s approval as “a tragedy of leadership with no real vision.” He announced that consultations will be held later today to discuss the matter.
The plan, presented at the White House on September 29 following a meeting between Trump and Netanyahu, includes 20 key points designed to stop the ongoing conflict.
According to the proposal:
- Hamas must release 20 Israeli hostages, both alive and deceased, within 72 hours.
- In return, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
- A “Peace Board”, chaired by Trump, would oversee the process.
- Hamas’s tunnels and military infrastructure would be dismantled.
- Arab and Muslim countries would play a role in Gaza’s demilitarization.
- Israeli forces would withdraw gradually, while local police units would be trained to maintain order.
During their joint press conference, Trump stressed that “Palestinians must take responsibility.” Both leaders warned that if Hamas rejects the plan, Israel’s military offensive would continue.
Smotrich’s harsh remarks highlight deep divisions within Israel’s leadership over the deal, even as parts of the international community have welcomed the proposal as a potential path toward long-term peace.
