News
Israeli Minister Resignations Shake Coalition Amid Gaza Ceasefire Debate
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and two other ministers from the religious Jewish Power party resigned from their Cabinet positions on Sunday, voicing strong opposition to the recently announced Gaza ceasefire deal. While the resignations do not directly threaten the ceasefire or bring down Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, they mark another significant challenge to his leadership.
The ceasefire, which aims to pause the ongoing conflict and secure the release of hostages held by militants in Gaza, has faced backlash from Ben-Gvir and his allies. The deal, which includes provisions for Israel to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and withdraw troops from Gaza’s southern border, has been criticized by Ben-Gvir for potentially strengthening Hamas’s control over Gaza. He called the ceasefire “reckless” and warned it could “destroy all of Israel’s achievements.”
As the minister responsible for overseeing the Israeli police, Ben-Gvir has used his influence to advocate for the continuation of military operations in Gaza. He has also claimed credit for blocking previous ceasefire efforts. Ben-Gvir, a leader of the ultranationalist settler movement, has been a polarizing figure in Israeli politics, known for his hardline positions on security and Palestinian issues.
In addition to his stance on the ceasefire, Ben-Gvir’s visits to Jerusalem’s sensitive Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a site revered by both Jews and Muslims, have sparked tensions, particularly after a controversial visit in July. The visit violated a long-standing ban on Jewish prayer at the site and disrupted sensitive negotiations.
Ben-Gvir’s political rise has been marked by a series of provocative actions and statements, including supporting violent rhetoric against Palestinians and encouraging harsher police measures. His past is also marred by convictions for offenses such as racism and supporting a terrorist organization. He gained national prominence as a follower of the late extremist rabbi Meir Kahane and later orchestrated protests that led to death threats against public figures.
Despite his controversial reputation, Ben-Gvir’s rise reflects a shift toward more right-wing policies in Israel, with his religious and ultranationalist views gaining traction among a significant portion of the electorate. His party’s departure from the coalition, however, does not immediately threaten Netanyahu’s government, which maintains a narrow parliamentary majority.
Political analysts have warned, however, that if more hardline members follow suit, Netanyahu’s coalition could face collapse, triggering early elections. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has offered political support to prevent such a scenario, but analysts caution that any partnership between Lapid and Netanyahu would be difficult given their tense relationship.
News
Europe Forms ‘Coalition of the Willing’ to Support Ukraine Amid Uncertainty Over U.S. Role
European leaders have officially launched the “Coalition of the Willing,” a multinational effort led by the United Kingdom and France to support Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. The coalition, formed in response to shifting global diplomacy and concerns over Russia’s expansionist agenda, aims to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and prevent further escalation in the region.
A Response to Trump-Putin Negotiations
The formation of the coalition gained urgency following a surprise phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12. The call, which took place without prior consultation with European allies, raised alarms across the continent, prompting European leaders to take a more proactive role in shaping the future of the conflict.
Since then, multiple high-level summits have been held, with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spearheading the initiative. “Our goal is clear: to secure peace,” Macron stated. “To do this, we must put Ukraine in the best possible position to negotiate and ensure a lasting peace for all Europeans.”
Who Is Part of the Coalition?
The coalition has grown rapidly, now including 33 delegations from across Europe and beyond. Leaders from Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden, and other EU nations have joined, alongside representatives from NATO and the European Commission. Notably, Turkey, Australia, and Canada have also taken part in discussions.
However, some key countries remain absent. Austria and Malta have declined participation due to their neutral status, while Hungary and Slovakia, both NATO members, have resisted military support for Ukraine. The United States has not formally joined the coalition, though European leaders remain hopeful that Washington will provide some form of assistance, particularly in intelligence sharing and air defense.
Key Objectives of the Coalition
The coalition has outlined three main areas of focus:
-
Military Support for Ukraine – European nations have pledged continued military aid, including artillery, air defense systems, drones, and training programs to strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces.
-
Deployment of a ‘Reassurance Force’ – A new security force, composed of Western troops, will be stationed in Ukraine at key locations such as cities, ports, and power plants. The goal is to deter Russian aggression rather than engage in frontline combat. France and the UK have already committed soldiers, with Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium considering participation.
-
Strengthening European Defense Capabilities – The European Commission has proposed an €800 billion investment plan to enhance Europe’s defense industry, with Ukraine set to benefit from these funds.
Uncertainty Over U.S. Involvement
While European leaders have made diplomatic efforts to engage the U.S., there is little clarity on whether Washington will actively support the coalition. Trump’s administration has hinted at reducing American troop presence in Europe, raising concerns about long-term transatlantic security commitments.
Despite this, Starmer remains optimistic. “This is a force designed to deter and send a message to Putin that this peace deal will be defended,” he stated.
Next Steps
The coalition is now working to finalize details of the reassurance force, including troop numbers, locations, and operational structures. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited military representatives to Kyiv to begin planning, with a follow-up summit expected in the coming weeks.
With Europe taking the lead, the coalition marks a significant shift in the West’s approach to the war, signaling that European nations are prepared to act independently if necessary to safeguard Ukraine’s future.
News
Myanmar Struck by Aftershocks as Earthquake Death Toll Rises
News
Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Effort to Dismantle Voice of America
-
Business10 months ago
Saudi Arabia’s Model for Sustainable Aviation Practices
-
Business10 months ago
Recent Developments in Small Business Taxes
-
Politics10 months ago
Who was Ebrahim Raisi and his status in Iranian Politics?
-
Business9 months ago
Carrectly: Revolutionizing Car Care in Chicago
-
Business9 months ago
Saudi Arabia: Foreign Direct Investment Rises by 5.6% in Q1
-
Technology10 months ago
Comparing Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3
-
Politics10 months ago
Indonesia and Malaysia Call for Israel’s Compliance with ICJ Ruling on Gaza Offensive
-
Technology10 months ago
Recent Developments in AI Ethics in America