Ben-Gvir Urges Netanyahu Against Accepting Hamas Prisoner Exchange Proposal Despite Family and Public Pressure

Kokcha News Agency reports that on Saturday, Ben-Gvir urged Netanyahu via a post on X (formerly Twitter) to abandon what he called the “surrender plan” and return to a strategy of decisive action against Gaza. Despite widespread calls from families of Israeli captives and the public to accept the exchange deal, Ben-Gvir argued that any agreement involving partial withdrawals or aid would only reward terrorism and delay the goal of fully dismantling Hamas.

He claimed that the only path to total victory and safe return of hostages is through the complete occupation of Gaza, stopping humanitarian aid, and encouraging emigration. Ben-Gvir dismissed recent negotiations and proposals, insisting that ongoing military campaigns and a hardline approach are the only options.

Earlier, the Israeli government announced plans to send a delegation to Doha, Qatar, to negotiate with Hamas regarding prisoner swaps and a ceasefire, with talks possibly beginning Sunday. Hamas had previously responded positively, indicating readiness to negotiate immediately on the implementation of the proposed deal. The Israeli cabinet is scheduled to review Hamas’s response tonight, though no rejection has yet been formalized.

Meanwhile, Israeli opposition and families of captives continue to press the government to accept the deal and end the war, accusing Netanyahu of delaying negotiations to benefit his political position and responding to the far-right factions within his coalition.

The conflict since October 2023 has led to over 193,000 casualties among Palestinians, including children and women, and the ongoing Israeli military offensive has been widely condemned internationally for its lethal and destructive impact.