Trending 
Former Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, branding the Gaza ceasefire agreement a historic mistake.
Speaking on Israel’s 103FM radio on Sunday, the far-right politician accused Netanyahu of undermining Israel’s military gains in Gaza.
Ben-Gvir, leader of the far-right Otzma Yehudit Party, argued that extending the ceasefire would be a major setback for Israel.
He claimed that the truce prevented the country from securing a total victory, asserting that his opposition to the agreement had been justified.
Having resigned from Netanyahu’s government last month in protest against the ceasefire, Ben-Gvir alleged that Hamas had regained strength and control in Gaza.
“The amount of aid we give them… it enables them to rule,” he claimed, adding that the ceasefire had allowed Hamas to re-establish its authority in the region.
He also criticised far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, dismissing his assertion that Israel had dismantled Hamas.
“I heard him say that we have taken Hamas apart, but unfortunately, the reality on the ground says otherwise,” Ben-Gvir said.
The ceasefire agreement, which took effect on 19 January, halted Israel’s devastating military offensive in Gaza.
The war has killed more than 48,200 Palestinians, the majority of whom were women and children, and has left the enclave in ruins.
Meanwhile, Israel faces mounting legal challenges on the global stage.
In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
