Biden ceasefire proposal 'not binding' for Israel: Smotrich says

Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the ceasefire proposal announced by the US President Joe Biden "dangerous", in a statement outside the Knesset, the Israeli daily Haaretz reported. 

"Again and again, they repeat the same mistakes, again and again, they surrender to Sinwar and humiliate the State of Israel," he said speaking about Yahya Sinwar, one of the leaders of Hamas. 

Smotrich added that "the last few months have proven to all of us that the way there is, not through idle talks with Sinwar, but only by increasing military pressure and fire until Hamas surrenders. The dangerous proposal that President Biden spoke of was given by the war cabinet, without authority and in violation of the law, and it is not binding for the Israeli government and the State of Israel."

"If, God forbid, the government decides to adopt this offer of surrender, we will not be part of it and will work to replace the failed leadership with a new one. I told the Prime Minister – we, together with the bereaved families and the majority of the people of Israel, will stand by your side for a decision and victory, but we will stand against you with all strength and aggression if you choose surrender and defeat," Smotrich said.

He also threatened to "replace the failed leadership" in Israel if the deal is adopted.