Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding an immediate end to ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. In a public statement released on Friday, Ben-Gvir urged Netanyahu to “come to his senses” and withdraw from any dialogue with what he labeled as “terrorists.”
“It is not too late to stop the negotiations with the terrorists,” said Ben-Gvir. He criticized the current diplomatic track, warning that such talks undermine the goals of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. “Give the necessary instructions to achieve the goals of the war: complete occupation, voluntary migration, and [Israeli] settlement [of Gaza],” he said, signaling his vision of a long-term Israeli presence in the besieged Palestinian enclave.
Ben-Gvir’s remarks come amid renewed international pressure on Israel to agree to a ceasefire deal that could bring an end to months of devastating conflict in Gaza.
Condemns Potential Withdrawal from Morag Corridor
The minister also condemned reported discussions about withdrawing Israeli troops from the strategically important Morag Corridor — a 12km-long military axis that stretches between Rafah and Khan Younis in southern Gaza. The corridor has been a focal point of recent Israeli military operations, aimed at cutting off Hamas supply lines and isolating fighters in southern Gaza.
Ben-Gvir called the corridor “a strategic axis conquered with the blood of our soldiers,” and strongly opposed any possibility of retreat. “Withdrawing from it would be spitting in their faces,” he said, referring to Israeli soldiers who have died during the ongoing ground invasion.
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The Morag Corridor has played a central role in Israel’s attempts to divide Gaza into separate military zones, and any retreat from the area would signal a shift in strategy that could open space for a ceasefire. Ben-Gvir, however, views such a move as a betrayal of Israel’s military objectives and its nationalist aspirations.
Internal Tensions Intensify Within Israeli Government
Ben-Gvir’s latest remarks highlight growing tensions within the Israeli government over how to proceed in Gaza. While Netanyahu has kept the door open for mediated ceasefire talks — primarily through Egypt, Qatar, and the United States — hardline ministers like Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich are pushing for a total military victory without compromise.
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The far-right bloc within Netanyahu’s coalition has consistently opposed concessions or negotiations with Hamas. Their influence over the government has increased as the war has dragged on, leaving Netanyahu in a political bind. Caving to far-right demands risks deepening Israel’s isolation abroad, while continuing talks risks the collapse of his fragile ruling coalition.
Ben-Gvir, a leader of the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party, has used past months to amplify his hardline agenda. He has frequently called for re-establishing Israeli settlements in Gaza, which were dismantled in 2005 under a unilateral disengagement plan. His call for “voluntary migration” of Palestinians from Gaza echoes controversial proposals that have been widely condemned by international human rights groups.
As ceasefire efforts continue behind closed doors, public divisions in Israel’s leadership threaten to derail progress. Hamas has insisted on a full withdrawal of Israeli troops and a permanent end to hostilities before any agreement is reached. Meanwhile, families of Israeli hostages and many citizens are pressuring the government to secure a deal that brings their loved ones home.
Netanyahu has yet to respond to Ben-Gvir’s statement, but as pressure builds on multiple fronts, his next move could define both the future of the war in Gaza and the stability of his own government.
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