Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has sharply criticized the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, calling it a “reckless” agreement. Ben-Gvir expressed concerns that the deal would undermine the achievements of the ongoing conflict and warned that his party, Otzma Yehudit, would withdraw from the government if the agreement is approved.
In a translated post on X (formerly Twitter), Ben-Gvir wrote, “The deal being shaped is reckless. It involves releasing hundreds of terrorists, returning thousands to the northern Gaza Strip, withdrawing from the Philadelphia axis, and halting the fighting. This will erase the achievements of the war.”
He further added, “The deal does not ensure the release of all hostages, leaving the fate of many uncertain. It will end the war without Hamas being decisively defeated, giving them the ability to rebuild. If this deal is approved, Otzma Yehudit will not remain in the government. However, if the war against Hamas resumes with the goal of achieving the unfulfilled objectives, we will rejoin the coalition.”
Ben-Gvir also urged members of the Religious Zionist Party and ideological Knesset members within the Likud Party to join him in opposing the deal, calling it a “reckless surrender.”
On Wednesday, Qatar, Egypt, and the United States confirmed that a ceasefire and hostage-release agreement had been reached between Israel and Hamas, set to take effect on January 19. According to the Qatar Foreign Ministry, the agreement involves a phased release of hostages and prisoners, along with a halt in hostilities.
US President Joe Biden praised the deal, describing it as a diplomatic breakthrough. He highlighted the agreement’s three-phase structure, which includes a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of hostages, including American citizens, in the initial phase. Biden also noted the coalition of 20 nations that supported the negotiations and helped counter external threats during the process.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has engaged in discussions with US President-elect Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden regarding the ceasefire. These talks are aimed at ensuring the deal’s successful implementation while addressing Israel’s strategic concerns.
