Israel far-right minister Ben-Gvir threatens coalition withdrawal over Gaza cease-fire deal
A view of damage at the residential building of Palestinian Aloush family following a fresh Israeli airstrike on Jabalia after Israel and Gaza reached a cease-fire deal, in the north of Gaza City, Gaza on Jan. 16, 2025. (AA Photo)
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened Thursday to pull his Jewish Power party from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government if a Gaza cease-fire and prisoner exchange deal, announced a day earlier, is passed by the cabinet.
Speaking at a press conference, Ben-Gvir described the deal, brokered by the U.S. and Qatar, as “a disgrace” and warned it would undo Israel’s military gains in Gaza. He vowed to leave the coalition if the cease-fire is implemented.
“My faction will only return to the coalition if military operations in Gaza resume,” Ben-Gvir said, referencing the ongoing offensive that has claimed over 46,000 lives since Oct. 7, 2023. He further criticized the deal for including a withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor in southern Gaza.
Israeli cabinet meeting to convene on Gaza cease-fire
Despite his threats, Ben-Gvir assured that his party’s six seats in Israel’s 120-member Knesset would not topple Netanyahu’s government. The prime minister’s coalition is expected to move forward with a three-phase agreement that halts fighting, facilitates hostage releases, and allows humanitarian aid into Gaza.
An Israeli cabinet meeting to finalize the agreement was postponed on Thursday but is expected to convene Friday, according to local media. The first phase of the agreement would see the release of 33 Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Earlier in the week, Ben-Gvir labeled the cease-fire talks a surrender to Hamas and urged fellow far-right politician Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to join him in opposition to the deal.
Qatari PM and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman announced the success of mediators Wednesday in reaching a cease-fire agreement in the Gaza Strip, noting that its implementation will begin this Sunday.
The first phase of the agreement will last for 42 days and involve the release of 33 Israeli detainees in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners.
Bin Abdulrahman emphasized that Qatar, Egypt, and the United States will ensure the implementation of the agreement and monitor its execution to prevent violations.
