According to a report by Al Jazeera, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says he opposes releasing any Palestinian prisoners as part of a potential Gaza ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
Smotrich described the release of Palestinian inmates as a "terrible and horrific event", adding, "I will not agree to it, a red line must be drawn."
He highlighted the 2011 release of Hamas's now leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, in exchange for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. In October 2011, Hamas freed Shalit in exchange for Israel releasing 1,027 Palestinian prisoners, including Sinwar.
"We saw what happened in the deal for Gilad Shalit. We released Yahya Sinwar and we see what we got in return. With what logic will we release the next Yahya Sinwar and endanger thousands more Israelis?"
Smotrich, leader of the far-right Religious Zionist Party, added: "I will oppose this even if it ends my political career." He also criticised Israel's "security establishment", claiming it's pursuing an "illegal deal at any cost".