Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir during the Sabbath and updated them on developments. The first conversation was with Ben-Gvir around 1 AM. Netanyahu asked him if he would oppose the release of hostages, and Ben-Gvir replied: “Of course I want them home, but I am not willing for Hamas to continue to exist.” During another conversation during the night, Ben-Gvir offered to meet with him, and Netanyahu scheduled a meeting for after the Sabbath. Smotrich and Ben-Gvir later spoke and agreed to coordinate their positions.
