Ben-Gvir demands Smotrich leave Netanyahu’s government if a hostage deal is approved
In a shocking political development, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has issued a stern ultimatum to his far-right ally, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Ben-Gvir declared that if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agrees to any deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, both he and Smotrich must immediately leave the government.
This extraordinary demand is a direct challenge to Netanyahu’s leadership and could throw Israel’s coalition government into turmoil. Ben-Gvir, a staunch advocate of hardline policies, has expressed his deep concerns over the potential consequences of any prisoner swap. According to sources close to Ben-Gvir, the decision to pursue negotiations for a hostage deal with Hamas is one that could destabilise Israel’s security and fuel further violence.
Ben-Gvir’s uncompromising stance highlights the rift within Israel’s far-right leadership. For months, tensions have been simmering between the more moderate factions of the coalition, led by Netanyahu, and the hard-right elements like Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, who have been fiercely vocal in their opposition to any form of compromise with Hamas. Both men represent a nationalist agenda, and their influence on Israeli politics has been considerable since they joined Netanyahu’s government.
The hostage situation remains dire. Over 200 Israelis have been held captive by Hamas, many since the violent attacks on Israel last year. The government has come under mounting pressure, both from the international community and within Israel, to negotiate the release of these hostages. While Netanyahu has signalled a willingness to explore the possibility of a deal, Ben-Gvir’s defiance is a clear sign of how deeply divided the Israeli political landscape has become on this issue.
Ben-Gvir’s threats have reverberated across the political spectrum, particularly as his calls for Smotrich to join him in leaving the government signal an impending rupture. Smotrich, also a hard-right figure, has yet to publicly respond, but his support is considered critical to maintaining Netanyahu’s fragile coalition. Should Smotrich align with Ben-Gvir, it could lead to the collapse of Netanyahu’s government, or at the very least, a significant loss of political legitimacy.
The implications of this political crisis are far-reaching. If the two ministers follow through on their ultimatum, Israel will face a volatile period of political realignment. With no clear path forward, Israel’s government could descend into paralysis, leaving the country vulnerable to both internal and external pressures. The clock is ticking, and Netanyahu’s response to this challenge will likely define the future of Israeli politics for years to come.
As the deadline for a potential hostage deal approaches, the question remains: Will Netanyahu yield to Ben-Gvir’s demands, or will the situation lead to a devastating split within Israel’s governing coalition? The answer could have profound consequences not just for Israel’s political future, but for the ongoing conflict with Hamas
