Two far-right Israeli ministers threatened to quit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government if he goes ahead with a hostage release deal outlined by US President Joe Biden. Biden stated that Israel had offered a new roadmap towards a full ceasefire, including the release of hostages held by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu’s coalition partners, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, opposed the deal and vowed to leave the government if it proceeds.
Ben Gvir criticized the proposed deal as a victory for terrorism and a security risk to Israel, while Smotrich demanded the continuation of the war until Hamas is destroyed and all hostages are returned. In response, Netanyahu assured the destruction of Hamas as part of the Israeli plan outlined by Biden.
Thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv to support the ceasefire and hostage release deal proposed by Biden, expressing concern that Netanyahu might disown the proposal.