National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir is expected to reject the Trump-brokered hostage deal, warning that any deal preserving Hamas’s rule crosses his red line.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir is reportedly preparing to oppose the proposed hostage-release agreement, arguing that the inclusion of convicted terrorists among those to be freed represents an unacceptable concession to Hamas.
“From the outset, we’ve said that leaving anyone behind is unacceptable — and partial deals are a disaster,” sources close to Ben Gvir said Saturday night.
While the current framework — part of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan — reportedly ensures the release of all Israeli hostages, Ben Gvir’s camp insists that the price is far too high, and that true security can only be achieved through total military victory and the complete dismantling of Hamas.
“Ben Gvir believes the only path to bringing the hostages home is through intensified military pressure and the total halt of humanitarian aid to Gaza,” one source said. “Rewarding terror only guarantees more terror.”
Although Ben Gvir is not expected to resign from the government immediately, his allies made clear that his red line is firm:
“If Hamas continues to exist — in any form, political or civilian — we will not remain in the government,” the minister’s associates warned.
The hardline stance reflects deep divisions within Israel’s governing coalition, as some ministers urge compromise to expedite the hostages’ release while others insist that any deal short of Hamas’s annihilation undermines Israel’s deterrence.
Ben Gvir has repeatedly called for a full-scale military offensive to finish off Hamas’s leadership in Gaza, arguing that partial truces or prisoner swaps embolden the enemy and endanger Israel’s long-term security.
For now, Ben Gvir is expected to press Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in their upcoming meeting to reaffirm Israel’s commitment to total victory, not temporary arrangements. His message will be blunt: “No Hamas, or no government.”
