Far-Right Minister Threatens to Collapse Israeli Government Over Gaza Ceasefire Deal
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has threatened to withdraw his party from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government if a proposed ceasefire deal with Hamas is approved, Al Jazeera reports.
Ben-Gvir, a far-right figure, slammed the agreement on Thursday, stating that his Otzma Yehudit party (also known as the Jewish Power Party) would leave the government if the ceasefire proceeds.
“If this irresponsible agreement is approved and implemented, the Jewish Power Party will not be part of the government and will leave it,” Ben-Gvir declared.
Ben-Gvir’s objections stem from his belief that the agreement is too lenient towards Hamas. He has also called for a complete halt to humanitarian aid, fuel, electricity, and water entering Gaza, arguing that such measures are necessary to force the release of remaining Israeli hostages.
He has also urged fellow far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionist Party, another vocal critic of the ceasefire, to also withdraw from the cabinet. If both parties follow through, Netanyahu’s coalition would lose its majority in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament.
However, opposition parties have reportedly indicated they would support Netanyahu to ensure the ceasefire deal moves forward, potentially preventing the government’s collapse.
Despite his strong stance against the ceasefire, Ben-Gvir told reporters that he does not seek to “overthrow” Netanyahu’s government and suggested he might consider rejoining if the ceasefire fails.
Netanyahu’s Likud party responded with a statement that “whoever dismantles a right-wing government will forever be in disgrace.” The party also defended the ceasefire, claiming it would “maximise the number of live hostages” released while ensuring “Israel’s security for generations to come.”
The proposed ceasefire deal, brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, is intended to provide a temporary pause in the conflict that has raged in Gaza for over 460 days. The first phase of the deal is slated for six weeks, with negotiations for subsequent phases still ongoing. However, Israel has not ruled out a resumption of hostilities.
The war in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 46,788 Palestinians since October 2023, according to reports. Israel faces allegations of genocide in the Strip, a case brought by South Africa at the International Criminal Court.
