Israeli Far-Right Threatens To Topple Netanyahu Over Gaza Ceasefire Deal

Israeli far-right ministers have issued a stern warning to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, threatening to bring down his government if he accepts a ceasefire deal with Gaza that fails to eliminate Hamas. This comes in response to a three-phase proposal announced by US President Joe Biden, which aims to end the eight-month conflict in the region.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a prominent figure in the far-right camp, took to social media platform X to express his discontent. He described the deal as “reckless,” stating that it would constitute a “victory for terrorism” and a “security threat to the State of Israel.” Ben-Gvir asserted that agreeing to such a deal would not be an absolute victory but rather an absolute defeat, and that his party, Otzma Yehudit, would dismantle the government if Netanyahu proceeds with the deal under the current conditions.

Netanyahu himself has also made it clear that there will be no permanent ceasefire in Gaza until Hamas’ military and governing capabilities are destroyed. “Israel’s conditions for ending the war have not changed: The destruction of Hamas military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel,” he stated, emphasizing that these conditions must be met before a permanent ceasefire can be established.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, another key figure in the far-right coalition, echoed similar sentiments. He declared that he will not be part of Netanyahu’s government if the proposed deal is accepted, as it would end the war without destroying Hamas and bringing back the abductees. Smotrich stressed that the fighting must continue until Hamas is destroyed, the hostages are returned, and a “totally different security reality” is created in Gaza and Lebanon.

Biden’s proposal, which was relayed to Hamas through Qatar, outlines a three-phase plan. The first phase involves a six-week ceasefire, during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza population centers, and hostages, including the elderly and women, would be exchanged for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The second phase would see Hamas and Israel negotiate the terms of a permanent end to hostilities, with the ceasefire continuing throughout the negotiations. The third phase includes a major reconstruction plan for Gaza.

Despite the far-right’s opposition, Hamas has expressed a positive view of the ceasefire proposal. In a statement, the group said it is “ready to deal positively and in a constructive manner” with any proposal that ensures a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the reconstruction of Gaza, and the return of displaced persons, along with a genuine prisoner swap deal.

The conflict in Gaza has taken a heavy toll, with Palestinian health authorities estimating more than 36,280 people killed since Israel attacked the enclave in response to a Hamas assault in southern Israel on October 7. The Hamas attack killed around 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies.

As the international community urges Israel and Hamas to accept the ceasefire deal, the future of Netanyahu’s government hangs in the balance. The far-right’s unwavering stance threatens to derail the peace process and prolong the suffering of the people in Gaza. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the parties can find a path forward that satisfies both Israel’s security concerns and the aspirations of the Palestinian people.