Smotrich warns judges may force IDF return to Gaza, open door to Hezbollah

Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich, speaking 15 days before elections, escalated rhetoric against the judiciary, claiming judges will force the IDF back into Gaza and expose Israel to Hezbollah. He also affirmed Ben-Gvir as a full partner, downplaying a potential half-mandate shift from Likud. This signals a hardline consolidation ahead of the vote, potentially impacting coalition dynamics and security policy.