By 5 Towns Central Staff

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL (Aug. 11, 2026) – National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is publicly challenging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a proposed framework for Gaza, objecting in particular to plans that could bring international forces into the Strip.

Ben-Gvir, chairman of Otzma Yehudit, said he was the only Cabinet minister to vote against authorizing the deployment of foreign “Peace Council” forces and against restrictions that he believes could limit the IDF’s freedom of action.

While acknowledging the intense diplomatic pressure facing Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir argued that accepting the proposed 15-point framework was a serious mistake. He maintained that Israel must retain full military freedom to operate against threats in both Gaza and Lebanon.

The disagreement highlights growing tensions within Netanyahu’s governing coalition over the direction of the war and the terms of any future arrangement in Gaza. While the government weighs diplomatic proposals aimed at establishing longer-term stability, Ben-Gvir and other right-wing figures have continued to demand a tougher approach and oppose measures they believe could constrain Israel’s military operations.

Despite speculation that the dispute could lead Ben-Gvir to leave the coalition, he rejected calls for an immediate resignation. With elections approaching, he said voters who support his position will have an opportunity to express their views at the ballot box.

Full statement below:

Ben Gvir: “Anyone who thought we could entrust the security of our children to the agreements and guarantees of our surroundings received a painful slap in the face this morning: behind all these conceptual agreements stand lies and deception.

These are agreements whose sole purpose is to lull us to sleep ahead of the next blow. That’s exactly why we stood and cried out before October 7, that’s exactly why we opposed every reckless deal and every attempt to sell us an “illusion of quiet.” The only response to our enemies and those who seek our harm is force, determination, and absolute resolve—without agreements and without mercy. Hamas and Hezbollah must be destroyed down to the very last one of them, without blinking and without stopping.

Against this backdrop, I am proud of the reforms we led in the security prisons—the terrorists’ party is over, there is no mercy for murderers. I am proud of the mass weapon distribution project for Israeli citizens, and of building an immense defense force of over 1,000 readiness classes that are now deployed across the entire country. Israel’s security will be built solely by the Hebrew defense force, armed citizens, a strong police, and an offensive IDF. I will continue to fight for the state’s security with eyes wide open and with determination.”