Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has once again threatened to bring down Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, this time over what he perceives as a weak response to Hamas and a premature return to a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Ben-Gvir’s increasingly volatile rhetoric highlights the deep divisions within the Israeli ruling coalition and raises serious questions about the stability of the government amidst ongoing conflict.
In a statement posted on his Telegram channel, Ben-Gvir asserted that Netanyahu’s decision to reinstate a ceasefire after the death of an Israeli soldier in Rafah, coupled with the continued delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, was unacceptable. He argued that instead of pursuing a full-scale war aimed at eliminating Hamas, Netanyahu had opted for a “calculated response” and a swift return to a truce. “Once again, Hamas kills a soldier during a ceasefire, and once again the Prime Minister chooses to end the incident with a calculated response and an immediate return to the ceasefire, while continuing to bring in humanitarian aid,” Ben-Gvir stated. “Netanyahu returned to a ceasefire instead of returning to a full war and quickly seeking to achieve its central goal, which is the elimination of Hamas.”
Ben-Gvir’s remarks followed an announcement by the Israeli military that it was resuming the ceasefire agreement with Hamas after a reported exchange of fire in Rafah resulted in the death of an Israeli soldier and the deaths of over 100 Palestinians in Gaza since Tuesday evening. The Israeli military claimed that it responded with airstrikes and artillery fire after its forces were attacked.
This is not the first time Ben-Gvir has publicly challenged Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict. He has repeatedly voiced his opposition to any ceasefire agreements and has consistently advocated for a more aggressive military campaign to eradicate Hamas. He had previously rejected a US-backed plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza, reaffirming his commitment to resuming military operations.
Ben-Gvir’s stance reflects the views of the extreme right-wing faction within the Israeli government, which believes that only a complete military victory over Hamas can ensure Israel’s long-term security. This hardline approach clashes with the more cautious approach favored by some within Netanyahu’s Likud party and other coalition partners, who are wary of the potential for further escalation and international condemnation.
The fragile ceasefire, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States, came into effect on October 10th, aiming to facilitate a prisoner exchange and halt the ongoing conflict. The agreement included several phases designed to de-escalate the situation and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, the agreement has been repeatedly violated. Before the recent resumption of hostilities, reports indicated that Israel had violated the ceasefire agreement over 125 times.
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The initial hope was that the ceasefire would bring an end to the devastating Israeli military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 68,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom were women and children. The conflict has also caused widespread displacement, starvation, and destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure throughout the Gaza Strip.
Despite the agreement, Israeli airstrikes continued to pound Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 150 people since the agreement was announced. These continued attacks have raised serious questions about Israel’s commitment to the ceasefire and have fueled accusations of bad faith.
Ben-Gvir’s repeated threats to collapse the government underscore the precariousness of Netanyahu’s coalition. The government is comprised of a diverse range of political parties with often conflicting ideologies, making it vulnerable to internal dissent. Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party holds significant sway within the coalition, and his departure could trigger a chain reaction that leads to the government’s collapse and new elections.
The potential collapse of the Israeli government would have significant implications for the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the broader regional dynamics. It could lead to a further escalation of violence, complicate efforts to reach a long-term peace agreement, and destabilize the region. It would also raise questions about the future of Israeli politics and the country’s relationship with the international community. Ben-Gvir’s hardline stance and willingness to destabilize the government for what he deems necessary action against Hamas showcases the volatile political climate within Israel and the significant challenges Netanyahu faces in maintaining his coalition. The future of the ceasefire and the stability of the region hang in the balance as Ben-Gvir’s threats continue to reverberate through the Israeli political landscape.
