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"This deal forfeits the IDF’s hard-won achievements in the war, involves withdrawing forces from Gaza, and halts the fighting in a manner that capitulates to Hamas." Ben-Gvir said.
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF JANUARY 19, 2025 10:12 Updated: JANUARY 19, 2025 10:57
( Illustrative) National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over a backfrop of hostage photos
(photo credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90, BRINGTHEMHOMENOW, Canva)
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and members from his Otzma Yehudit party submitted resignation letters from the government and coalition on Sunday, as they had previously promised if the deal was approved.
"The reckless approval of an agreement with the Hamas terror organization, which includes releasing hundreds of murderers with the blood of men, women, and children on their hands—some to Jerusalem and the West Bank—represents a disgraceful surrender," The party stated.
"This deal forfeits the IDF’s hard-won achievements in the war, involves withdrawing forces from Gaza, and halts the fighting in a manner that capitulates to Hamas."
Ben-Gvir has threatened to leave the government if the deal were to be approved as early as last week.
“The deal that is taking shape is a reckless deal,” Ben-Gvir said in a televised statement on Thursday. He said the deal would “erase the achievements of the war” by releasing hundreds of Palestinian terrorists and withdrawing from strategic areas in Gaza, leaving Hamas undefeated.
“This deal teaches them [Hamas] that they can take hostages and attack, and at the end of the day, they can get what they want," Ben-Gvir said.
Other MKs threaten to resign
Two other ministers, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich (Religious Zionist Party) and Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli (Likud), previously threatened to leave the government if a full ceasefire was implemented.
While they have not announced their resignation, both voted against the deal in the deliberation on Friday.
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