Tel Aviv, Israel – Tensions have escalated within the Israeli government following the receipt of remains that Hamas said belonged to an Israeli captive. Tel Aviv questioned the identity of the body, and Hebrew media reported that it was “incomplete.” Part of it may have been handed over previously.
The incident reignited divisions among government officials. It prompted extremist National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to issue harsh criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding that he “stop hesitating and issue immediate orders to eliminate Hamas.”
Ben-Gvir said that continuing the policy of waiting and appeasement “weaken Israel’s image in the eyes of the world and diminishes the value of deterrence.” He also threatened to take political steps that could threaten the cohesion of the ruling coalition if Netanyahu did not take a clear and decisive stance.
His remarks came hours after a wave of anger in Israel, with families of prisoners and missing persons demanding a harsh response to Hamas. Meanwhile, the Israeli Forensic Institute continues to examine the remains to determine their identity.
In contrast, Netanyahu is trying to balance hardline domestic calls with external pressures. These pressures warn against any new military escalation that could plunge the region back into all-out war.
Observers believe that the new crisis could be the spark that ignites disputes within the ruling coalition, especially in light of the rise of far-right voices calling for revenge, compared to another movement calling for caution and careful consideration of the consequences.
