Israeli Minister Says Freeing Hostages Not ‘Most Important’ Aim of the War

The far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, said the more crucial goal was ensuring that Hamas no longer ruled the Gaza Strip.

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Israel Budget Vote Is Win for Netanyahu

A budget approved by Israel’s Parliament cements Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s power and includes significant military spending.

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Far-Right Israeli Minister Visits Washington After Years of Being Shunned

Bezalel Smotrich, the Israeli finance minister, had drawn rebukes from the Biden administration for his opposition to a cease-fire in Gaza and his support for Jewish settlers in the West Bank.

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How Einav Zangauker Became Netanyahu’s Fiercest Foe

Einav Zangauker, whose son is captive in Gaza, has made herself an enemy of the Israeli government by advocating relentlessly for a hostage deal.

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Trump’s Gaza Plan Reflects Broader Push for Annexation of Palestinian Land

Right-wing officials in Israel, evangelical Christians in the United States and Trump appointees have become increasingly outspoken in calling for Israel to take more territory.

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West Bank? Call It Judea and Samaria, Some Republicans Say.

President Trump’s return has emboldened supporters of Israeli annexation of the occupied territory who want to mandate the use of language reflecting that view. Opponents of annexation say the term reflects a political agenda.

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Israel-Hamas Truce Leaves Big Questions Unresolved for Now

It remains unclear whether the six-week truce will lead to a permanent cease-fire and the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza, or if fighting will resume.

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Israeli Government Approves Cease-Fire Deal for Gaza

The full Israeli cabinet passed the agreement during a meeting that continued into the Jewish Sabbath, setting up the first reprieve in Gaza in over a year.

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Netanyahu Faces a Political Crisis Over the Gaza Cease-Fire Deal

With his far-right coalition partners refusing to end the war, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may soon have to choose between them or the agreement.

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Cease-Fire Deal Has Exposed Fissures in Netanyahu’s Right-Wing Government

One far-right minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, claimed to have scuppered similar agreements over the past year. But, the prime minister has blamed Hamas for the failures.

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