Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich opposes potential ceasefire-hostage deal, calling it a 'serious error.' He argues that the deal does not serve Israel's war aims or bring all hostages home. Smotrich believes that giving Hamas a lifeline at this time is not appropriate and emphasizes his party's influence over the government's actions. Hamas is demanding a permanent end to the war and IDF withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel seeks a temporary pause with the release of some hostages before resuming fighting to dismantle Hamas's capabilities. Concerns are raised about the phased deal potentially falling apart before all hostages are released.