Israeli Interior Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has threatened to leave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government if an impending ceasefire and prisoner release deal, being negotiated in Qatar, is agreed upon.

Ben-Gvir, an advocate of aggressive policies toward Palestinians, expressed his opposition on social media, labeling the deal a "dangerous capitulation to Hamas."

Ben-Gvir's departure from the government would not lead to the collapse of Netanyahu’s administration, but he called on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotric to join him in opposing the deal. Ben-Gvir argued that accepting the ceasefire would undermine Israel’s military objectives and equate to surrendering to Hamas, a group which Israel deems as a terrorist organization, following the October 7, 2023 attack that led to the outbreak of war.

The ceasefire talks, brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, aim to stop the fighting and facilitate the release of Palestinian prisoners. While some ministers, including Smotric, have voiced opposition, most Israeli officials are expected to support the phased ceasefire plan. The deal has been welcomed by many for its potential to bring an end to the bloodshed that has left more than 46,000 Palestinians dead, according to health officials in Gaza.

Ben-Gvir's position reflects the ongoing tension within the Israeli government as military operations in Gaza continue to devastate the region. Since the war's escalation, more than 400 Israeli soldiers have been killed, while Palestinian civilian casualties have reached catastrophic levels. The international community has called for peace, but Israel's hawkish leaders remain firm in their stance against any concession to Palestinian resistance.

Meanwhile, Palestinian detainees' families express concern that the deal may not lead to the release of all prisoners, with some fearing that only a few will be freed under the agreement. Despite this, public opinion polls show significant support within Israeli society for a ceasefire, suggesting that a majority of the population may favor a path to peace after months of intense conflict.

The situation remains precarious as diplomatic efforts continue to shape the future of the region, with the lives of thousands of Palestinians hanging in the balance. (ILKHA)