Netanyahu Faces Far-Right Backlash Amid Trump Gaza Peace Effort

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces significant pressure from far-right coalition members who oppose U.S. President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, which includes a ceasefire, hostage release, and the demilitarization of Gaza without dismantling Hamas entirely. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have threatened to leave the government if Hamas remains post-hostage release, opposing any agreement that stops short of Hamas's destruction. Despite their threats and criticism of Netanyahu's halting of military operations at Trump's request, neither minister has exited the coalition yet. Netanyahu prioritizes the return of hostages, even at the risk of coalition collapse, while opposition parties indicate willingness to support the deal in the Knesset if the far-right factions pull out. The internal rift complicates efforts to expand the U.S.-backed Abraham Accords and threatens to destabilize Israel's most right-wing government ahead of the next scheduled election. Trump continues to press for an end to the two-year conflict, aiming to reshape the Middle East peace process, but Netanyahu must balance U.S. diplomatic goals with domestic political challenges and coalition survival.