Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has resigned from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet in protest of the recent Gaza ceasefire deal. The move does not threaten the ceasefire but weakens Netanyahu’s governing coalition.
Ben-Gvir, 48, is a ultranationalist settler leader who has transformed himself into one of Israel’s most influential politicians over the years. He opposes the ceasefire because it requires Israel to free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and withdraw troops from Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, which he believes would “destroy all of Israel’s achievements.”
As National Security Minister, Ben-Gvir oversaw the country’s police force and used his influence to encourage Netanyahu to press ahead with the war in Gaza. He has a history of controversy, including paying visits to Jerusalem’s sensitive holy site without permission, violating a longstanding ban on Jewish prayer there.
Ben-Gvir has been convicted eight times for offenses that include racism and supporting a terrorist organization. His views have shifted rightward, bringing his religious ideology into the mainstream and diminishing hopes for Palestinian independence.
The resignation does not put Netanyahu’s government at risk but could trigger early elections if other hard-liners follow suit. The opposition leader Yair Lapid has offered to provide a safety net for Netanyahu, but their partnership is unlikely to last long due to their differences.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/itamar-bengvir-resigns-gaza-ceasefire-netanyahu-d63bc4ac1e4f741cafa6fab4d932f891