Former Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who previously stepped down from his government position in January due to disagreements over a ceasefire in Gaza, is set to rejoin the coalition led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This announcement was made on Tuesday by both Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party and Netanyahu’s Likud Party. This development follows a significant escalation of violence, with Israel conducting its most intense strikes on Gaza since the ceasefire was put in place earlier this year.
The joint statement issued by Likud and Otzma Yehudit confirmed the reinstatement of Ben-Gvir and his party’s ministers back into the government. His return comes at a crucial time, as the coalition faces challenges in maintaining a stable parliamentary majority in the wake of his January resignation.
Itamar Ben-Gvir has been a prominent figure in Israeli politics as the leader of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party since 2019. His departure earlier this year was driven by his opposition to the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which he believed compromised national security. In statements made during his resignation, Ben-Gvir called for a cessation of humanitarian aid and basic supplies into Gaza, arguing that such measures were necessary to ensure the release of hostages held by Hamas, the governing authority of Gaza.
Following his return to the coalition, Israel resumed its airstrikes on Gaza, marking a significant shift away from the temporary peace established earlier this year. Prime Minister Netanyahu has justified these military actions, stating that they are a response to Hamas’s refusal to release Israeli captives and its unwillingness to engage in extended ceasefire negotiations. The Israeli military has reported conducting extensive operations targeting Hamas, resulting in the tragic loss of over 400 Palestinian lives and exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The blockade of humanitarian aid has severely impacted Gazans, with millions facing critical shortages of food and water. As conditions worsen, there is an urgent need for a renewed focus on dialogue and diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding human rights and ensuring access to essential supplies in the region.
The situation remains complex, and the international community watches closely as developments unfold in this historically significant and deeply affected area. The return of Ben-Gvir to the Israeli government could signal shifts in policy and approach toward the ongoing humanitarian challenges in Gaza and the broader Middle East.
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