They argued that the government had no right to exist if it did not carry out its plan to invade Rafah, Hamas's last stronghold in the Palestinian territory.

The ministers called for Hamas to be destroyed, as the government had intended to do after the Islamist movement's October 7 attack.

Two Israeli politicians, Smotrich and Gantz, have strongly criticized the decision not to invade Rafah, a city in the Gaza Strip, due to a ceasefire agreement brokered by Egypt.

Smotrich called it a "humiliating surrender" that endangers Israel's existence, while Gantz believed it was important in the long-term fight against Hamas.

They both threatened that if the government prevented the implementation of a responsible hostage return plan, the government would have no right to continue.

Intensified diplomatic efforts are underway to reach a truce and hostage-release deal in Gaza, as calls against a ground assault on Rafah grow louder.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has threatened to send troops into Rafah, home to over 1.5 million civilians, but faces significant international and domestic pressure to negotiate a deal and free the hostages instead.