Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, recently resigned over a ceasefire deal just before it took effect. Ben Gvir expressed his belief that the remaining hostages in Gaza should be freed through the use of force. He welcomed the release of Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher but criticized the deal that secured their freedom as a 'surrender.'
Ben Gvir emphasized the importance of securing the release of the remaining hostages through forceful means such as stopping fuel supplies and halting humanitarian aid, rather than through surrender. His resignation, along with two other ministers from the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party, is expected to weaken Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition.
Despite his resignation, Ben Gvir's position as national security minister remains in effect for 48 hours. In a separate statement, Israel's far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, expressed joy at the return of the three hostages, even though he also opposed the deal that facilitated their release.
Both Ben Gvir and Smotrich have been vocal opponents of any ceasefire agreements with Hamas in Gaza. While Smotrich has not resigned over the deal, he has threatened to do so if Israel does not resume fighting after the initial phase of the truce concludes.
