Israeli Far-Right Minister: "Will Topple Government if Hamas War Stops"

Hostage Exchange Truce Extended Sparks Backlash
Nationwide Public Opinion Divided on War Approval

A minister from Israel's far-right party has sparked controversy by refusing a ceasefire with the Palestinian armed group Hamas and threatening to topple the government if the war is halted. As public opinion within and outside Israeli politics becomes divided over the war, concerns about political instability alongside the conflict are also spreading.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

On the 28th (local time), according to the Times of Israel, Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of Israel's far-right party Otzma Yehudit (Power to Israel) and currently serving as the National Security Minister in Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government, strongly insisted in a statement that the war with Hamas must be resumed. He warned that "a ceasefire means the collapse of the government" and pressured the Netanyahu administration by threatening to withdraw from the coalition if the war does not resume.

Minister Ben-Gvir has consistently advocated anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab positions, insisting that Hamas must be annihilated. He also faced public criticism for voting against the approval of the first four-day ceasefire agreement mediated by Qatar.

Among the politicians from Otzma Yehudit currently participating in the Netanyahu cabinet, there are three ministers including Ben-Gvir. Although their numbers are not large enough to immediately collapse the wartime coalition government led by Prime Minister Netanyahu if they withdraw, concerns are rising that the government's political stability will significantly decline as far-right forces intensify their opposition.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced that Netanyahu convened a security cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv on the same day to discuss whether to continue diplomatic efforts or resume combat operations. Prior to the security cabinet meeting, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told military commanders that troops would remain stationed in the Gaza Strip until the safety of residents in southern Israel is secured.

Minister Gallant emphasized, "The military will carry out its mission in the Gaza Strip until the settlements are restored," adding, "This mission will not end until Hamas is completely eliminated."

Meanwhile, Israel and Hamas agreed to extend the existing four-day ceasefire by an additional two days, extending the ceasefire period until 7 a.m. on the 30th (2 p.m. Korean time). It is reported that both sides are currently negotiating a further extension of the ceasefire.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.