White House blasts Israeli official over hostage deal comments

The White House is denouncing the comments of an Israeli official who opposes a hostage and ceasefire deal with Hamas. Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich does not support the deal being pushed by the United States and mediators from Egypt and Qatar. He said it amounts to surrender. At the White House, national security spokesman John Kirby didn’t hide his disgust with the Israeli official.
Kirby said the view held by Smotrich “would, in fact, sacrifice the lives of Israeli hostages, his own country, and American hostages as well.” Prime Minister Netanyahu has agreed to attend the talks next week.