Ben-Gvir, Smotrich threaten to quit Israeli government if Palestinian prisoners released in Gaza deal

Israeli far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have reportedly threatened to resign from the government if the Hamas ceasefire deal includes the release of long-serving Palestinian detainees.

National Security Minister Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Smotrich have said behind closed doors they would withdraw from the government if Israel freed "dozens of detainees with blood on their hands", according to a report from Israel's Hebrew language Channel 13.

The two ministers have previously made racist statements on Palestinians, used genocidal language, and have called for Israeli settlements in Gaza.

In February, Ben-Gvir, who heads the extreme right Jewish Power party, said that the Israeli army should shoot Palestinian women and children in Gaza if they came close to the border.

The comments come as Israel reportedly sent a delegation to Doha to re-engage in talks around a ceasefire deal with Hamas, which was presented by the Palestinian group last week.

The three-stage framework includes that for every Israeli captive in Gaza handed over, 100 Palestinians would be freed from Israeli jails.

The head of the Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, David Barnea is believed to be partaking in the meetings with officials in Doha, which come as the United Nations said on Monday that over one million in Gaza were facing imminent famine.

Israeli media also reported that while there is broad support for the truce among high-ranking Israeli officials, Netanyahu has not yet reached a decision.

Last week, the Israeli premier said Hamas' proposal was based on "unrealistic demands".

If agreed, the deal would see the release of women, children, and sick captives, including female soldiers, for the freeing of up to 1,000 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.

Israeli defence officials estimate there to be around 130 Israelis still held in Gaza, but the military has struggled to ascertain the conditions or whereabouts of the hostages.

Resentment among Israeli society towards Netanyahu has been growing, as the public lose faith about his ability or desire to enable the safe return of the captives.

The deal would also see a 40-day pause in fighting and allow greater aid access and distribution for the beleaguered population which are facing severe hunger levels and disease outbreaks following five months of war.

Israel is currently holding over 9,000 Palestinians in detention, including 3,558 without charge or trial under 'administrative detention', according to rights group Addameer.

The administrative detention status is only applicable to Palestinians and such detentions can be extended by Israeli authorities without public evidence.