Fri Jan 17 05:50:38 UTC 2025: ## Far-Right Israeli Ministers Threaten to Topple Government Over Gaza Ceasefire
**JERUSALEM** – Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has issued an ultimatum, threatening to pull his Otzma Yehudit party (Jewish Power) out of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government if a ceasefire deal with Hamas is approved. The threat comes after over 460 days of conflict in Gaza.
Ben-Gvir vehemently condemned the proposed ceasefire, brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, calling it “irresponsible.” He insisted that humanitarian aid to Gaza be completely halted as leverage for the release of hostages held by Hamas. He further urged fellow far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to join him in leaving the government should the ceasefire be implemented.
The potential withdrawal of both Ben-Gvir and Smotrich’s parties could collapse Netanyahu’s fragile coalition government, as it would lose its Knesset majority. However, Israeli media reports suggest that opposition parties are prepared to support the prime minister to ensure the ceasefire’s success.
Despite his strong stance, Ben-Gvir clarified that he doesn’t intend to actively overthrow the government and may reconsider his position if the ceasefire fails. Netanyahu’s Likud party responded with a statement condemning any action that would dismantle the right-wing government and defended the ceasefire, claiming it prioritizes the release of hostages and long-term Israeli security.
The ceasefire, if approved, would initially last six weeks, with further negotiations planned for subsequent phases. While Israel has not explicitly ruled out resuming hostilities, the deal represents a significant development in the protracted conflict that has resulted in at least 46,788 Palestinian deaths in Gaza. South Africa has already brought a case of genocide against Israel to the International Criminal Court.
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