Smotrich announced that he has “lost trust” in Netanyahu’s ability and willingness to lead the army towards decisiveness and victory in Gaza. Less than two days after the Israeli security cabinet approved the occupation of Gaza City and the expansion of military operations in the sector during a nearly ten-hour meeting, Smotrich, the leader of the Religious Zionism party and finance minister, stated that the decision reflects “a lack of pursuit for a comprehensive military solution in Gaza.” Israeli media published a surprising statement from Smotrich saying he lost trust in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s ability and desire to lead the army to decisiveness and victory in the war on Gaza, expanding to occupy the entire sector, and supporting the displacement of Palestinians, pushing towards settlement in Gaza. Experts and analysts see Smotrich’s statement as a calculated political threat without a clear ultimatum or resignation announcement.

Political analyst Anna Braschi described the statement as deliberately provocative, questioning the seriousness of the “loss of trust” claim and suggesting it may be a pressure tactic to gain sympathy from his frustrated base. The Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid commented that Smotrich is right to have lost trust but questioned the timing and called for calm, warning that the Gaza operation risks weakening Israel’s international standing, harming Israeli captives, and damaging the economy. Smotrich demands the government reconvene or he will reconsider his steps, possibly dissolving the government and calling early elections.