From the Liveblog of
Monday, July 7, 2025
Ben Gvir criticizes Netanyahu on Gaza, speaks out against deal
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleAriela Karmel is a political correspondent at The Times of Israel. She previously reported for Calcalist and Haaretz. She holds an MA in Middle Eastern and African History from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir tells reporters, “We are praying for the prime minister’s success while visiting President Trump.”
Speaking before an Otzma Yehudit faction meeting, Ben Gvir says that while he gives credit to the prime minister over the decision to strike Iran, “on the subject of Hamas, he is still not doing what is needed to deliver us a decisive victory.”
“The time has come to focus solely on defeating Hamas,” he says. “We must not be afraid, but go forward with all of our might.”
He speaks out against an emerging ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza being pushed by the US.
“We cannot agree to this deal,” he says. “I love the hostages, they’re my brothers, but I’ll say what I said before the Gilad Shalit deal: that deal cost us an enormous price.”
He says that he “prevented” previous deals and calls on Finance Minister Smotrich to join him in preventing the current one.
The Times of Israel Community.