The stability of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is hanging in the balance as key far-right coalition partners have threatened to resign if a proposed Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, backed by the United States, is accepted. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have publicly declared their opposition to the plan, arguing it would be a "national defeat" that leaves Hamas in power.
The ultimatum from the two hardline ministers came after a meeting with Netanyahu to discuss the 20-point plan presented by the U.S. President Donald Trump to end the nearly two-year-long war. According to a Jerusalem Post article, both ministers warned that the deal risked leaving Hamas’s governing and military capabilities intact, a scenario they deem unacceptable following the October 7 massacre.
In a direct challenge to the Prime Minister, Ben-Gvir stated that his Otzma Yehudit party "will no longer be part of the government" if Hamas continues to exist after the release of all hostages. He framed the potential agreement as a "global disgrace" and a "ticking bomb for the next massacre." Smotrich echoed these sentiments, calling the decision to halt the Israeli offensive in Gaza for negotiations a "grave mistake." He argued the pause would allow Hamas to stall for time and would erode Israel's leverage in achieving its primary war aim of eliminating the terrorist organization.
The proposed deal has created a deep rift within the Israeli political landscape. While the far-right flank of the government views it as a capitulation, others see it as a necessary step to secure the return of the remaining hostages. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum sharply criticized Smotrich’s stance, asserting that the state's priority should be the swift return of their loved ones. President Isaac Herzog has also voiced his support for the deal, urging Netanyahu to advance the plan and emphasizing the "historic moments of opportunity" for regional transformation.
As negotiations are expected to continue in Egypt, Netanyahu is under immense pressure from all sides. He must navigate the demands of his far-right partners, the desperate pleas of hostage families, and the diplomatic push from the United States. Minister of Agriculture Avi Dichter has already accused Hamas of making "unreasonable demands," further complicating the delicate talks The coming days will be critical in determining not only the fate of the ceasefire and the hostages but also the survival of Netanyahu’s governing coalition.
Photo: Gemini AI