Shocking Turn: Israel’s Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir Threatens to Quit Over Controversial Gaza Deal
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has announced that he and his party will exit the government if the Gaza agreement is approved. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday evening, Ben-Gvir stated that the Gaza deal poses a threat to Israel’s security and that withdrawal from the Philadelphia Corridor would undermine all of the war’s achievements.
Ben-Gvir emphasized that the agreement would prevent the attainment of the war’s objectives. He urged the Likud party to uphold its promises regarding the conflict. According to Ben-Gvir, the Gaza agreement represents a significant loss for Israel, describing the deal as painful and accusing it of encouraging Hamas. He asserted that persisting in the war would lead to the return of hostages from Gaza.
In response, the Likud party argued that the Gaza agreement allows for a return to fighting if necessary, emphasizing its importance for the safe return of hostages and the long-term security of Israel. The party warned that the dissolution of a right-wing government would be a disgrace, indirectly referring to Ben-Gvir’s threat to leave the government.
Earlier, a close source to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that Ben-Gvir had resigned from the cabinet due to the Gaza ceasefire agreement. According to the Israeli newspaper “Yedioth Ahronoth,” the source clarified that Ben-Gvir’s resignation was triggered by the agreement, and Netanyahu is currently in contact with him.
The newspaper reported that the government meeting to approve the agreement would be held on Saturday instead of Friday, with the Gaza deal set to be implemented on Monday rather than Sunday.
Israeli media indicated that Netanyahu would meet with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to convince him not to leave the government over the Gaza agreement. On Wednesday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated that the ceasefire agreement for the return of prisoners was the “right path.”
Finance Minister Smotrich criticized the agreement on Thursday, calling it “dangerous” for Israel’s security and indicating that his party’s ministers would vote against it. Both right-wing ministers, Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, have consistently opposed the Gaza deal.
The Gaza agreement is set to take effect on Sunday and will be implemented in three phases:
- The first phase, lasting six weeks, will see a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of 33 Israelis, including women, children, and individuals over 50, along with two Americans, Keith Siegel and Sejou Decle Chin.
- The second phase will involve the release of all remaining Israeli hostages, a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.
- In the third phase, the return of all remaining bodies will be ensured, and the reconstruction of Gaza will begin under the supervision of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States.
