Far-right Ben-Gvir, Jewish Power Party ministers resign from Israel’s government

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, and other ministers from his Jewish Power Party have resigned from their positions in the government. The party’s leadership confirmed the resignations, including Ben-Gvir’s position, Yitzchak Wasserlauf’s resignation from the Negev and Galilee Development Ministry, and Amichai Eliyahu’s departure from the Ministry of Heritage.

Why it matters

This resignation marks a major fracture within Israel’s government, exacerbated by tensions surrounding the recent Gaza ceasefire. It may destabilize the coalition and could have significant implications on Israeli political dynamics, particularly related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Details

• Ben-Gvir’s announcement: Ben-Gvir had previously stated that he and other ministers from the Jewish Power Party would resign once a ceasefire in Gaza was enforced. He claimed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had made promises to keep him in the coalition, including expanding Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and removing the IDF Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi.
• Disputed claims: The Israeli Prime Minister’s office denied these allegations, labeling Ben-Gvir’s statements about the promises made to him as “completely false.”
• Jewish Power Party: The party, led by Ben-Gvir, holds 6 seats in the Knesset and is a crucial player in the current coalition.