It's official: Otzma Yehudit leaves the coalition

In a dramatic development that threatens to destabilize Israel's governing coalition, the far-right Otzma Yehudit party has withdrawn from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, along with fellow party ministers Yitzhak Wasserlauf and Amichai Eliyahu, submitted their resignations from their cabinet positions. Party members also resigned from their Knesset committee assignments, marking a complete withdrawal from the coalition.

Additionally, the party's Knesset members - Zvika Fogel, Limor Son Har-Melech, and Yitzhak Kroizer - have submitted their resignations from various committee positions to the Coalition Chairman.

In light of the approval of what it calls "the reckless agreement" with Hamas, Otzma Yehudit cited several objections to the hostage deal:

Otzma Yehudit held key positions in Netanyahu's government, and their resignation could could impact the stability of Israel's ruling coalition during a critical period of war. Ben-Gvir, known for his hardline positions, had been a controversial but crucial partner in Netanyahu's government since its formation.

Lately though, Ben Gvir and Netanyhau have been disagreeing on pretty much everything, with Ben Gvir even forcing Netanyahu to leave the hospital after his prostste removal surgery earlier than he should have. However it's the hostage deal that was the cherry on top. Ben Gvir threatened repeatedly he would leave if Netanyahu went through with the deal – and he has made good on that promise.

Ben Gvir also reached out to Smotrich to step down, which could have changed the outcome of the hostage deal and led to new elections in Israel. Smotrich refused, agreeing to remain in the coalition, but with assurances from Netanyahu that the war would continue.