Religious Zionism Party Threatens to Leave Government if Gaza War Ends

Jerusalem – The Religious Zionism party will leave the government if the war in Gaza does not resume within 42 days of completing phase two of the hostage release deal, Deputy Speaker of the Knesset MK Moshe Solomon warned in an interview on Monday.

Speaking to Radio North, Solomon emphasized that a full ceasefire would not be acceptable to his party and dismissed the likelihood of phase two proceeding if it meant ending the war.

“So it won’t proceed,” he said, implying that Israel’s right-wing government would not allow a long-term cessation of hostilities.

Solomon stressed that the government sees this as a historic moment to solidify its position, particularly given the strong support from the United States.

He urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet to uphold their commitments, arguing that military action remains the only way to bring home the remaining hostages.

“I expect [Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] and the cabinet to fulfill their commitment where we complete phase one of the deal and act with military force against the Hamas terror organization,” Solomon stated. “I believe this is how we can bring back the hostages who are there.”

The first phase of the hostage release deal has been completed, though Solomon accused Hamas of multiple violations throughout the process. He maintained that the war should continue in order to achieve Israel’s broader security goals.

Resettling Northern Israel Amidst Hezbollah Tensions

Solomon also addressed the ongoing hostilities on Israel’s northern border, where Hezbollah has repeatedly launched attacks from Lebanon. He reaffirmed that the government remains committed to securing Israel’s borders, particularly for residents of northern Israel who were displaced due to the violence.

“We’ll pursue all means, including both fighting and various agreements, like the northern agreement, which we periodically see being violated,” Solomon said, referring to ongoing ceasefire breaches by Hezbollah.

He indicated that military action remains a strong possibility if the Lebanese militant group continues to operate near the border.

“If the new administration there doesn’t change the reality, we will definitely return to fighting and eliminate any capability to harm Israel’s citizens’ security, particularly northern residents,” he warned.

The issue of returning displaced Israeli citizens to their homes in the north remains a key concern. Solomon insisted that this could only happen once Israel had established military control over a significant buffer zone.

“Maybe we won’t reach the Litani River, but there will be between five to ten kilometers of military control, and then we can provide security for northern residents,” he explained.

Despite acknowledging that Hezbollah remains a threat, Solomon insisted that the group has been significantly weakened over the past year.

“We’re constantly focused on what we haven’t achieved, but let’s look at what we have achieved – Hezbollah is nothing like what it was a year and a half ago, not in its leadership, not in its military capabilities and service as an Iranian proxy – nothing is the same,” he asserted.

With tensions still high on both the northern and southern fronts, Solomon’s remarks highlight the Israeli government’s insistence on maintaining military pressure in Gaza while preparing for potential escalations with Hezbollah in Lebanon.