Following a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich condemned the potential risk of accepting US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the war in Gaza, claiming that there was a risk it would leave Hamas in power.
National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir said following the meeting that “Alongside the goal of freeing the hostages, which is important in itself, the central goal of the war, which was determined by the massacre of the October 7 by the Hamas monsters, is that the Hamas terrorist organization cannot continue to exist. It must be destroyed.
“Therefore, in light of recent developments, I and the Otzma Yehudit Party have clearly informed the prime minister: If, after the release of all the hostages, the terrorist organization Hamas remains in existence, Otzma Yehudit will no longer be part of the government. We will not be part of a national defeat that will be a global disgrace, and that will become a ticking bomb for the next massacre.
“There is no doubt that we would be happy, like everyone else, to see all the abductees returned to us. At the same time, we cannot in any way agree to a scenario in which the terrorist organization that inflicted the greatest disaster on the State of Israel would be reborn. We will not be partners in this in any way.”
Sharing similar sentiments, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said, “The Prime Minister's decision to halt the attack in Gaza and conduct negotiations for the first time not under fire is a grave mistake, and it is a sure recipe for time-wasting on Hamas's part and for the progressively increasing erosion of the Israeli position, both with regard to the release of the hostages in one go within 72 hours and with regard to the central war aim of eliminating Hamas and fully disarming Gaza.”
Hostage families respond
In response to Smotrich’s comments, the Hostage and Missing Families Forum shared, “The State of Israel has triumphed despite Smotrich's displeasure and in spite of Smotrich.
“This is how it should be, and this is how it will be now.”
President Isaac Herzog also expressed his support for the deal, writing on X/Twitter, "With the conclusion of the High Holy Days, the State of Israel stands at historic moments of opportunity, demanding national responsibility. Our collective prayer is for the success of the plan: first and foremost, the urgent return of all the hostages—down to the very last one—and for a transformation of the reality in the entire region.
"I call on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and strengthen his resolve to continue acting in every way and with every tool to swiftly advance the plan presented by US President Donald Trump, and first—to bring our loved ones home.
"These hours and days, as mentioned, are a moment of opportunity, and I hope they will also open a window to "the day after": in the return of the hostages, in a complete transformation of the reality in the Gaza Strip and the entire Middle East, in creating new diplomatic channels for Israel's integration into the Middle East, and in a complete healing and mending within Israeli society in every sense."
Avi Dichter, Israel’s Minister of Agriculture, accused Hamas of making new unreasonable demands as part of the Trump Gaza Peace plan.
“Hamas began its deception exercises by demanding that the IDF withdraw so that it can reach the deceased hostages in the areas where the IDF is located,” he said. “The immediate demand, which also corresponds with President Trump’s words, should be the return of all 20 living hostages within 72 hours as a first step that will dictate the continued implementation of the stages of the agreement.”
“The living hostages are not in the area where the IDF currently controls,” added Dichter. “Without this, there is no progress in the agreement, and the fighting must continue with all intensity.”
Transport Minister Miri Regev added, "All the hostages in one phase. Dismantling Hamas's capabilities and rule.
Maintaining the security perimeter. A good week and good tidings."