Netanyahu given ultimatum as Israeli government faces threat of collapse
Photo: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Getty Images)
Israel’s government is facing a potential crisis after National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir threatened to withdraw from the coalition if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fails to eliminate Hamas and introduce the death penalty for terrorists, according to The Times of Israel.
The Israeli government is facing internal tensions after National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding the complete destruction of Hamas and the introduction of the death penalty for terrorists.
According to The Times of Israel, Ben Gvir said he had personally set a deadline for Netanyahu to fulfill both conditions, hinting that the prime minister "knows very well what will happen" if he fails to act. He warned that his far-right party, Otzma Yehudit, would withdraw from the coalition if the demands are not met, though he did not specify an exact date, saying only that Netanyahu "knows very well what will happen."
Ben Gvir emphasized that the elimination of Hamas was one of his party’s core conditions for joining the government, criticizing Netanyahu’s "delay" in achieving it. He also demanded swift adoption of the death penalty bill for terrorists, a measure included in the 2022 coalition agreements and now moving through the Knesset.
Coalition tensions
This is not the first time Ben Gvir has threatened to leave the coalition. His party previously exited the government in protest against hostage release deals tied to temporary ceasefires. The minister has repeatedly condemned any negotiations with Hamas, insisting that "Israel has no right to a national defeat."
He also opposed the US peace plan proposed by Donald Trump, arguing that any amnesty for Hamas militants would be unacceptable.
Growing pressure on Netanyahu
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Yariv Levin announced the creation of a special criminal tribunal for militants involved in the October 7, 2023, attacks, which would be empowered to impose death sentences under Israel’s 1950 Genocide Prevention Law.
As these developments unfold, Ben Gvir continues to increase pressure on Netanyahu, asserting that "there are no excuses left" and implying that the fate of the government depends on the prime minister’s resolve.
Israel–Hamas peace plan
Earlier, the United States developed a 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the Israel–Hamas war, with both sides reportedly agreeing in principle. The agreement was signed in Egypt this week with the participation of President Donald Trump and several other leaders, though its full details remain undisclosed.
Trump later stated that Israel could resume military operations in Gaza if Hamas refuses to disarm.
