Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has publicly expressed a loss of confidence in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership regarding the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Smotrich criticized Netanyahu's decision to limit military occupation to Gaza City rather than the entire Gaza Strip, stating that his conscience does not allow support for the current strategy. He has also voiced doubts about Netanyahu's ability to lead the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to a decisive victory and condemned the cabinet for what he perceives as emotional weakness. The finance minister further criticized Netanyahu for leaving open the possibility of a ceasefire-for-hostage deal with Hamas, which Smotrich opposes, advocating instead for Hamas' defeat and the annexation of large parts of Gaza. This public dissent has raised questions about Netanyahu's control over his coalition government, with speculation about whether Smotrich's remarks signal a coordinated pre-election maneuver or internal government instability. Meanwhile, opposition leader Yair Lapid has also criticized Netanyahu's handling of the conflict, accusing him of lacking a winning strategy and being constrained by an ineffective government influenced by extremists. Former Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon highlighted internal disagreements within the Israeli government, noting resistance to technocratic governance in Gaza and attributing delayed prisoner releases to operational failures. The situation reflects growing societal unrest in Israel, with analysts noting increased political and social turbulence that Netanyahu cannot ignore.