Thu Sep 26 13:12:13 UTC 2024: ## Ben-Gvir Threatens to Pull Otzma Yehudit Out of Coalition Over Potential Hezbollah Ceasefire
**Jerusalem** – National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has threatened to withdraw his Otzma Yehudit party from the governing coalition if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agrees to a temporary ceasefire with Hezbollah.
Ben-Gvir, known for his hardline stance, made the statement following reports that Netanyahu was considering a 21-day ceasefire agreement with the Lebanese militant group. He argued that any ceasefire, even temporary, would enable Hezbollah to recover and pose a renewed threat to Israel’s security.
“The most basic and obvious thing is that when your enemy is on his knees, you do not enable him to recuperate, but act to defeat and rout him,” Ben-Gvir stated. “If you do not do so, you project weakness, endanger the security of your citizens, and prove that you have no intention to be victorious.”
Otzma Yehudit would cease all cooperation with the coalition, including voting in the Knesset, attending government meetings, and participating in any other coalition activities, if a temporary ceasefire is signed. Should the ceasefire become permanent, all Otzma Yehudit ministers and Knesset members would resign from the government and coalition entirely.
This threat comes at a crucial moment as the Knesset is scheduled to vote on an amendment to the 2024 budget on Sunday. The coalition currently holds a narrow majority of 64-56, but without Ben-Gvir’s six MKs, passing the amendment would become significantly more difficult.
The amendment seeks to expand government spending by NIS 3.4 billion to support evacuees and address other impacts of the ongoing war. While coalition members argue that the amendment is necessary due to the prolonged conflict, opposition members claim it is unnecessary and that the funds can be secured within the existing budget.
The potential for a ceasefire has drawn strong reactions from other political figures. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli both expressed their opposition to any ceasefire, emphasizing the need to “crush Hezbollah” and prevent it from regrouping.
Opposition leader Gideon Sa’ar also criticized the reported talks, stating that Israel’s recent moderation of air strikes and avoidance of certain attacks had been a mistake. He argued that continuous military activity was crucial to eliminate Hezbollah’s capabilities.
While the fate of any potential ceasefire remains uncertain, Ben-Gvir’s threat highlights the internal divisions within the Israeli government regarding the best course of action in the ongoing conflict. The coming days will likely see further debate and negotiation as Israel weighs its options for ending the war.
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