Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resume military operations against Hamas following an attack on Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in the Gaza Strip. In a statement posted on X, Ben-Gvir emphasized the need for the military to “fully and with full force resume combat operations in the Gaza Strip.” He criticized the belief that Hamas would adhere to any agreements, stating, “The deceptive notion that Hamas will change its stance or even adhere to an agreement it has signed is, as expected, proving dangerous to our security.”
This call to action comes in the wake of reports indicating that the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack on Israeli troops in southern Gaza. The Israeli military characterized this incident as a “gross violation of the ceasefire.” Specific details regarding the attack are still unfolding, but it has been confirmed that Israeli troops were targeted with a rocket-propelled grenade. Additionally, a Palestinian sniper reportedly engaged an Israeli unit during this confrontation.
In response to the attack, the Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes targeting positions in Rafah. This escalation of violence occurs despite an official ceasefire that has been in place since October 10 between Israel and Hamas. Since the ceasefire’s implementation, there have been multiple violent incidents, raising concerns about its stability.
Ben-Gvir has consistently opposed the ceasefire agreement, having voted against it from the outset. His recent statements reflect a growing frustration within certain segments of the Israeli government regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza. The call for renewed military action underscores the tensions that persist in the region, as Israeli officials grapple with the implications of Hamas’s actions and the broader security landscape.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides at risk of further escalation as they navigate the complexities of the ceasefire and the ongoing hostilities. As Israeli and Palestinian authorities confront these challenges, the prospect for peace remains uncertain amid calls for military engagement.
