Thu Jan 16 22:45:00 UTC 2025: ## Far-Right Israeli Minister Threatens to Topple Coalition Over Gaza Ceasefire Deal

**Jerusalem, January 17, 2025** – Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, issued a stark warning on Thursday, threatening to withdraw his Jewish Power party from the ruling coalition if a proposed Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal is approved. Ben Gvir, along with two fellow party MPs, contributes six members to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s 68-member coalition.

The deal, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, would see the release of 33 hostages taken during Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, Ben Gvir vehemently opposes the agreement, calling it “irresponsible” and demanding an alternative approach that involves halting all humanitarian aid to Gaza – including fuel, electricity, and water – before any hostage release.

Ben Gvir’s call for the coalition’s collapse was echoed by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also labeled the deal a threat to Israel’s security. While Ben Gvir insists his party would not actively seek to oust Netanyahu, Likud, Netanyahu’s party, issued a statement condemning any move to dismantle the right-wing government. They highlighted the ceasefire’s potential to secure the release of a maximum number of hostages and ensure Israel’s long-term security.

This threat comes amidst an ongoing International Court of Justice case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Israel denies the accusations, but Ben Gvir’s stance, along with similar statements from other far-right figures, has raised concerns among human rights groups. Ben Gvir himself has admitted to previously blocking attempts to reach a ceasefire. The situation remains highly volatile, with the future of the coalition and the ceasefire deal hanging in the balance.

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