Israeli Minister Threatens to Resign Over Ceasefire Deal

Web Desk — Israel’s hardline National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, announced on Thursday that he would resign from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government if it approves the Gaza ceasefire deal, which he staunchly opposes, according to Reuters.

Israeli media reported that the cabinet might vote on the agreement on Friday, though the Prime Minister’s office has not confirmed this.

“This deal is reckless,” Ben-Gvir declared in a televised statement, criticizing the potential release of hundreds of Palestinian fighters and the withdrawal from key areas in Gaza. He claimed it would “erase the achievements of the war” and leave Hamas undefeated.

“If this irresponsible deal is approved and implemented, we, the members of Jewish Power, will submit our letters of resignation to the Prime Minister,” Ben-Gvir warned.

While his departure would not collapse Netanyahu’s government, Ben-Gvir has also urged Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to join him in opposing the agreement, which he labeled a dangerous capitulation to Hamas.

Smotrich, a critic of the ceasefire deal that includes exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, has described it as disastrous for Israel but has not threatened to resign.

On Thursday, Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party reiterated its opposition to the deal, demanding a return to military action against Hamas after the initial six-week ceasefire phase ends.