White House slams Israeli finance minister for opposing Gaza talks

The White House blasted 'extremists' in the Israeli government, saying they are standing in the way of a renewed push by the United States, Qatar and Egypt for a deal to halt the fighting in Gaza and secure the release of the hostages.

In a briefing to reporters Friday, John Kirby, the White House national security communications adviser, accused Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of 'misleading the Israel