ALBAWABA- Far-right Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, has issued a scathing critique of the proposed hostage exchange deal, threatening to resign from the government if the agreement is approved.
81 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza hours after ceasefire deal announcementBen Gvir, leader of the Jewish Greatness Party, denounced the deal as "a disgrace and a waste," citing the release of "hundreds of terrorist killers" and the potential cessation of military operations against Hamas.
He argued that the agreement undermines Israel’s war achievements, risks the lives of remaining hostages, and signals capitulation.
"Adherence to war goals is what brings back our kidnapped," Ben Gvir stated, calling for a complete halt to humanitarian aid and fuel deliveries to Gaza.
He also criticized the terms of the deal, including the planned withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Philadelphi Corridor.
Ben Gvir declared his party would resign from the coalition but clarified they would not align with the opposition to oust Netanyahu. "If fighting against Hamas resumes as we requested, we will return to supporting the government," he added.
Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid countered Ben Gvir’s position, urging Netanyahu to move forward with the deal, emphasizing the importance of securing hostages over political disagreements. "You will have all the security you need to complete the deal," Lapid assured.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu faces internal tensions within his coalition. A meeting between him and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is reportedly underway to address the crisis.
Public opinion appears largely supportive of the agreement. According to an Israeli Channel 13 poll, 61.5% of Israelis back the deal, with 59.8% favoring a halt to the war and acceleration of the agreement's second phase.
The Israeli Defense Ministry has mobilized its Rehabilitation and Family Divisions to prepare for the hostages’ return.
A Likud party statement defended the deal, asserting it ensures the release of the maximum number of living hostages while warning that dismantling the right-wing government would leave a permanent mark.
