Itamar Ben-Gvir Resigns from Netanyahu's Cabinet Over Gaza Ceasefire Deal

The resignation of Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right national security minister, from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Cabinet, stems from his strong opposition to the recently negotiated ceasefire deal over Gaza. Though his exit does not put the ceasefire itself in jeopardy, it does signal a potential weakening of Netanyahu’s governing coalition. Ben-Gvir's call for other right-wing lawmakers to abandon the government may lead to a loss of parliamentary majority for Netanyahu, raising the specter of early elections.

Ben-Gvir, a figure known for his ultranationalist views, has transitioned from being a controversial provocateur into a significant player in Israeli politics over the years. His disapproval of the ceasefire is rooted in its conditions, which include the release of Palestinian prisoners and troop withdrawals from the Gaza-Egypt border, elements he believes could allow Hamas to maintain power and damage Israel's standing. He characterized the ceasefire initiative as "reckless," claiming it would undo Israel's achievements.

In his role as national security minister, Ben-Gvir had significant oversight over the police and had been pivotal in urging Netanyahu to intensify military action in Gaza. He was known for thwarting prior ceasefire discussions. Additionally, Ben-Gvir has made several controversial visits to sensitive religious sites, such as the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which have been seen as provocations that undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Having been convicted multiple times for serious offenses, including racism, Ben-Gvir’s political identity has been shaped by his association with extremist ideologies and actions during his youth. His rise reflects a growing rightward trend within Israeli society, leading to his mainstream acceptance of previously marginalized ultranationalist beliefs, thus complicating prospects for Palestinian autonomy.

Armed with a legal background, Ben-Gvir became recognized for defending right-wing extremists accused of violence against Palestinians. His charismatic and media-friendly persona has further facilitated his political ascent since he first entered parliament in 2021. His tenure has been marked by controversial actions, including advocating for severe policing measures and publicly attacking opponents.

Despite his resignation, Netanyahu has managed to retain a slim majority in parliament; however, the risk of government collapse could increase if other hardliners join Ben-Gvir in their dissent. Analysts suggest that without more political maneuvering, Netanyahu's coalition may struggle to maintain its integrity. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has offered some stabilizing support, though any cooperation might be short-lived due to personal differences between the two leaders.