In a dramatic and incendiary move, Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has publicly called on his colleagues to block an imminent ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The far-right minister, known for his hardline stance, sparked outrage by admitting he has actively prevented similar deals over the past year.
“I call on my colleague, [Finance] Minister Bezalel Smotrich, to join forces with me, and together we’ll work against the nascent deal,” Ben-Gvir announced on X. “In the last year, using our political power, we managed to prevent this deal from going ahead, time after time.”
The Ceasefire Controversy
The contentious ceasefire, reportedly nearing finalization under Qatari mediation, includes provisions for the release of hostages held by Hamas. This would be a crucial step toward ending the devastating conflict that has gripped the region since Hamas launched its deadly assault on October 7, 2023. Over 1,000 Israelis were killed, and hundreds taken hostage in the attack.
Despite the Israeli government’s growing international and domestic pressure to finalize the deal, Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have repeatedly threatened to destabilize the coalition to prevent such agreements. “I now lack the political power to block this deal,” Ben-Gvir conceded, referring to the influence of Gideon Sa’ar’s New Hope party, which joined the government last year.
Global Reaction and Mounting Criticism
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed optimism during a press conference alongside Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. “The agreement being finalized in these hours on the ceasefire and hostage release is very important news,” Tajani stated. He urged both sides to seize the moment for lasting peace.
However, international criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza continues to intensify. Accusations of genocide, widespread civilian casualties, and the bombing of critical infrastructure like hospitals have left the Israeli government scrambling to justify its actions. The Lancet medical journal recently reported that the death toll in Gaza, officially estimated at 46,000, is likely underestimated by 40%.
Sa’ar, signaling a break from the ultranationalist rhetoric, expressed confidence in the ceasefire’s approval: “I believe that if we achieve this hostage deal, we will have a majority in this government that will support the agreement.”
Internal and External Pressures
The proposed ceasefire comes at a time of heightened scrutiny for Israel, with mounting calls for accountability over its actions in Gaza. European nations have condemned the high civilian toll, while domestic protests from families of hostages have put additional pressure on the Israeli leadership.
Ben-Gvir’s latest opposition underscores the deep divisions within the Israeli government. As talks progress, the world watches closely to see whether Israel will prioritize diplomacy over continued conflict.