The leader of the far-right Jewish Power party, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has rejoined the Israeli government as the national security minister following a significant escalation in military actions against the Gaza Strip. This comes after Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of over 400 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, marking what they described as the deadliest day since the conflict reignited on October 7, 2023.
On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the strikes, stating that this was "only the beginning" and affirming Israel's commitment to destroying Hamas and rescuing the hostages who have been held captive since the onset of the fighting. The recent airstrikes have reportedly killed at least 409 individuals, including 173 children and 88 women, according to officials in Gaza.
In response to the resumption of the war, thousands of Israelis gathered in Jerusalem on Wednesday to protest against further military actions. Many demonstrators expressed concerns that increased hostilities could jeopardize the safety of approximately 24 hostages believed to still be alive, as families fear renewed fighting might lead to devastating consequences for their loved ones. Protesters highlighted the necessity of negotiations, citing a statement from one demonstrator, Alon Shirizly, who emphasized that "war will not do it," referring to the need for hostages' return.
In addition to concerns surrounding hostages, the protests also featured frustration over Netanyahu's plan to dismiss the head of Israel's internal security agency, which critics claim poses a threat to Israeli democracy. This political tension comes at a crucial time when Netanyahu's coalition is facing a vital budget vote this month, and Ben-Gvir's return is seen as a strategy to bolster the coalition's stability until the next elections scheduled for October 2026.
Ben-Gvir's prior departure from Netanyahu's coalition occurred in January 2025, amid discontent over a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. His reinstatement as national security minister apparently aligns with his hardline stance on Gaza, including intentions to fully resume military actions against Hamas, promote "voluntary migration" of Palestinians, and advocate for the expansion of Jewish settlements in the region.
With tensions escalating and both military actions and protests intensifying, the situation remains precarious for both Israelis and Palestinians. The impasse surrounding the hostages, coupled with the ongoing conflict, adds layers of complexity to an already fraught geopolitical landscape.
