TEL AVIV, Israel — In a significant political shift, Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, announced his resignation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet on Sunday, voicing strong objections to the recently proposed Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Although Ben-Gvir’s resignation does not jeopardize the ceasefire itself, it does pose a risk to Netanyahu’s governing coalition. Should other far-right representatives follow Ben-Gvir’s lead and exit the government, Netanyahu might find himself without a parliamentary majority, potentially leading the country to early elections.
Ben-Gvir, a prominent figure in Israel’s ultranationalist movement, has undergone a remarkable transformation from an outlaw provocateur to a key player in Israeli politics over the past few decades. His disapproval of the ceasefire stems from its conditions, which call for the release of numerous Palestinian prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the southern border with Egypt. Furthermore, he expressed concerns that the agreement could allow Hamas to maintain its grip on power in Gaza.
Prior to his resignation, Ben-Gvir referred to the ceasefire as “reckless,” claiming that such a deal would threaten “all of Israel’s achievements.” His role as the head of the police force saw him influence Netanyahu towards a more aggressive military stance in Gaza, openly boasting about how he had previously hindered efforts to reach any ceasefire.
Ben-Gvir has made numerous visits to sensitive religious sites in Jerusalem, including the contentious hilltop area housing the Al-Aqsa Mosque. One of these visits was characterized as provocative, violating longstanding restrictions on Jewish prayer at the site, which holds significant religious importance for Jews as the Temple Mount.
Throughout his political career, Ben-Gvir has encountered legal issues, facing eight convictions for various offenses, such as supporting terrorism and racist behavior. His extreme political views were so pronounced as a teenager that he was barred from mandatory military service. He gained notoriety in his youth as a follower of the late Rabbi Meir Kahane and made headlines in 1995 for vandalizing the car of then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, contributing to a climate of hostility leading up to Rabin’s assassination by a Jewish extremist opposed to peace initiatives with Palestinians.
Rising through the ranks, Ben-Gvir eventually gained legitimacy in Israeli politics, reflecting a broader rightward shift within the electorate that normalized his ultranationalist beliefs and undermined prospects for Palestinian independence. Educated as a lawyer, he earned a reputation defending extremist Jews charged with violence against Palestinians, utilizing his sharp intellect and engaging personality to create a strong media presence, which facilitated his political entrance in 2021.
As a minister, Ben-Gvir made headlines for his controversial statements, including calls for the deportation of political adversaries and advocating for aggressive police tactics against Palestinian protesters. During the 2022 elections, he joined forces with Netanyahu’s far-right coalition, positioning himself as a dedicated advocate for a right-wing government in Israel.
Since taking office, Ben-Gvir has consistently sparked controversy, including his promotion of widespread handgun distribution among Jewish citizens and his support for Netanyahu’s contentious legal reforms. In May, he rebuked President Joe Biden for warnings against military interventions in Gaza, suggesting that Biden’s stance aligns with Hamas’s interests.
Despite Ben-Gvir’s resignation, Netanyahu retains a fragile majority, and the current ceasefire remains intact for now. However, if other hard-line members of the coalition choose to resign as well, it could destabilize Netanyahu’s government and spur early elections.
Political analysts have suggested that Netanyahu might be facing a limited timeframe in power. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has indicated a willingness to support the government to prevent its collapse over the ceasefire deal. Still, experts suggest that any such collaboration may not withstand the underlying tensions between the two leaders, complicating the future political landscape in Israel.
