Far-right Minister Ben Gvir’s party quits coalition

The far-right Jewish Power party, led by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, announced on Sunday its withdrawal from the ruling coalition over a disagreement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

In a statement issued by the party, the ceasefire was condemned as “scandalous” and unacceptable. “Following the approval of the scandalous agreement with the terrorist group Hamas […] the [three] ministers of the Jewish Power party have recently submitted their letters of resignation. The Jewish Power party is no longer a member of the coalition,” the statement declared.

Ben Gvir’s departure does not topple Netanyahu’s government, which still maintains a slim majority in the Knesset. However, the exit marks a significant rupture within the coalition, exposing divisions over the handling of the truce with Hamas, which has been a point of contention within Israel’s political spectrum.

Ben Gvir, known for his hardline views and controversial rhetoric, was a key ally of Netanyahu and served as Minister of National Security. His party’s exit underscores rising discontent among Israel’s far-right factions, who have pushed for more aggressive actions against Hamas.

While the ceasefire agreement aims to de-escalate tensions, it has faced criticism from various quarters, including from Ben Gvir and his allies, who view it as a capitulation to terrorism. The government, however, argues that the truce is necessary to prevent further bloodshed and create space for diplomatic efforts.