Ministers threaten Netanyahu over Trump Gaza deal

Calling the war’s objective “the destruction of Hamas,” Ben-Gvir insisted that allowing the group to recover “would be a national defeat that will live in infamy.”

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Saturday night, as both ministers expressed strong criticism for the US-backed plan to end the Gaza war and release hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners.

Smotrich sharply criticized the emerging plan, calling the decision to pause the offensive and enter talks “a grave mistake.”

He warned that negotiating without ongoing military pressure would allow Hamas to “stall and erode Israel’s position,” jeopardizing both the release of hostages within 72 hours and the war’s main goal — the destruction of Hamas and Gaza’s full demilitarization.

Ben-Gvir took a more measured tone but cautioned that his Otzma Yehudit party would not remain in government if Hamas survives.

“If, after all the hostages are freed, Hamas remains standing, Otzma Yehudit will no longer be part of this government,” he said.

Calling the war’s objective “the destruction of Hamas,” Ben-Gvir insisted that allowing the group to recover “would be a national defeat that will live in infamy.”

No unified stance has been reached between Ben-Gvir’s faction and Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party, though both have hinted at potential withdrawal if the deal proceeds.

Netanyahu is expected to argue that unity is vital while negotiations unfold and that political turmoil could weaken Israel’s position internationally.

Meanwhile, National Unity leader Benny Gantz renewed his call for centrist parties to join the government, proposing that Blue and White, Yesh Atid, and Yisrael Beytenu replace what he described as the coalition’s “extremist” elements.

The main clause threatening the coalition’s stability reportedly recognizes the Palestinians’ aspiration for statehood.

Despite the rift, analysts note that bringing down the government would require a constructive no-confidence vote—an unlikely outcome given the Knesset’s current makeup.

Opposition figures, including Yair Lapid, have indicated willingness to support any agreement that ensures the hostages’ return.