Media: Three Israeli far-right ministers resign in protest against Gaza hostage deal UPDATED

Three Israeli ministers from the far-right Otzma Yehudit party have submitted their resignations in protest against the ceasefire agreement concluded with Hamas.

The following have resigned: Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israeli Heritage Minister Amihai Eliyahu, and Minister of Development of the Negev, Galilee and National Sustainability Yitzhak Wasserlauf, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

14:15

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir resigned, and his party, Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power), withdrew from Benjamin Netanyahu's government coalition in protest of the agreement on hostage releases and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

In a press conference on January 16, Ben-Gvir stated that he would resign if the Israeli government approved the deal for hostage releases and a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing that "in the event of renewed fighting in the enclave, his party would be ready to return to the government," Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media outlet Kan.

According to Kan, along with Ben-Gvir, two other ministers from the Otzma Yehudit party also resigned: Minister of Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage Amichai Eliyahu and Minister for Negev, Galilee, and National Resilience Isaac Wasserlauf.

Announcing his resignation on January 16, Ben-Gvir stressed that he "does not intend to dismantle Netanyahu's government."

Otzma Yehudit holds 6 seats in the 120-seat Knesset (parliament), and even if it leaves the cabinet, Netanyahu's government coalition will retain a majority, with 62 seats in the legislative body.

Hamas has named the three hostages it plans to release on Sunday, potentially clearing the way for the start of a Gaza ceasefire after a delay.

Israel had earlier said it would continue fighting in Gaza until the names were handed over in accordance with the agreement. The start of the ceasefire has been delayed by more than two hours.

There was no immediate comment from Israel after Hamas’ armed wing published the names on social media.

The war, which began on October 7, 2023, has claimed more than 46,000 lives in Gaza. Hundreds of Israeli soldiers have also lost their lives in the fighting in the strip.

By Khagan Isayev