Jerusalem: Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has announced that his party will leave the government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if the recently negotiated Gaza cease-fire and hostage release deal is approved by the cabinet. This statement was made during a press conference where Ben-Gvir, leader of the Jewish Power party, expressed strong opposition to the agreement facilitated by the US and Qatar.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ben-Gvir criticized the deal, calling it a "disgrace" and asserting it would negate all previous achievements. He stipulated that the Jewish Power party would only return to the coalition if military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in over 46,000 deaths since October 7, 2023, are resumed. He further described the deal as "reckless," highlighting its terms which include a truce and withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor in southern Gaza.

Ben-Gvir emphasized that while his party will not bring down Netanyahu's government, it will not support the cease-fire deal. Despite his party holding only six seats in the 120-seat Knesset, Ben-Gvir's withdrawal poses no immediate threat to Netanyahu's leadership.

The Israeli cabinet meeting, initially scheduled for Thursday, was postponed. However, ministers are anticipated to endorse the cease-fire deal on Friday. The agreement includes a three-phase plan to halt fighting in Gaza, facilitate a prisoner exchange, and allow aid into the region, alongside a complete Israeli withdrawal from the enclave.

Earlier statements from Ben-Gvir labeled the cease-fire talks as a capitulation to Hamas, with a promise to resign if the deal proceeds. He also called on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to resign in protest. In the initial phase of the agreement, 33 Israeli captives are to be released in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners.