National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said Thursday that he will not commit to halting the elimination of terrorists or signing any agreements with Hamas, reacting to reports about Israel moving to Phase B in Gaza. "With the devil who has inscribed on his flag our destruction, we do not commit to stopping the elimination of terrorists, and we do not sign deals," Ben-Gvir said, according to Dafna Liel (N12).
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir issued a statement Thursday afternoon, explicitly rejecting any agreements with Hamas amid unconfirmed reports that Israel is preparing to move to Phase B of operations in Gaza. "With the devil who has inscribed on his flag our destruction, we do not commit to stopping the elimination of terrorists, and we do not sign deals," Ben-Gvir said, according to Dafna Liel (N12). The statement, published at 15:07 Jerusalem, followed earlier remarks in which the minister called Hamas "Nazis" and ruled out any deals with the group.
The minister's latest comments build on his consistent opposition to negotiated settlements with Hamas. At 15:07 earlier today, Ben-Gvir called on Prime Minister Netanyahu to make clear to Israel's allies that the only solution Israel is willing to be a partner in is encouraging emigration from Gaza and the destruction of Hamas, as The Zioneer reported. The minister has previously stated that his Otzma Yehudit party is not bound by any ceasefire deal, and has advocated for military pressure over diplomacy.
As The Zioneer has reported, Ben-Gvir has a long record of hardline positions on terrorism and security. He has called for the death penalty for terrorists and has opposed agreements with terror groups, including a ceasefire with Hezbollah. His latest statement comes amid ongoing legal proceedings against him, with the Attorney General seeking his removal from office over alleged interference in police operations.
It remains unclear whether the reported transition to Phase B in Gaza reflects an official government decision or preliminary discussions. The Prime Minister's Office has not yet commented on the reports.
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