Security Minister Ben-Gvir's Party Quits Israeli Government
The Facts
Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and two other ministers from his Otzma Yehudit party — Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu and Negev, Galilee and National Resilience Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf — formally resigned from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government on Sunday over the cease-fire and hostage deal with Hamas.
Three Otzma Yehudit party lawmakers — MKs Zvika Fogel, Limor Son Har-Melech, and Yitzhak Kroizer — also resigned from various Knesset committees. However, MK Almog Cohen's status remains unclear as he has previously broken with his party to vote with the coalition.
The Spin
Narrative A
The cease-fire deal is a complete surrender to terrorism and destroys all of Israel's war achievements. The agreement will release hundreds of terrorists convicted of attacks against Israelis and allow Hamas to potentially retain power in Gaza. A complete victory against Hamas is a must before any cease-fire can be considered.
Narrative B
The cease-fire agreement ensures the release of hostages held in Gaza, provides humanitarian relief, and guarantees a phased end to Israel's offensive against Hamas. Though he faces a political crisis as his far-right coalition partners oppose the deal, Netanyahu's coalition government is safe as most lawmakers favor ending the war.
