GOLD (COMEX) gold

Ben-Gvir threatens to withdraw support unless Israel attacks Rafah

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned Netanyahu if he decides to end the war on Gaza without “an extensive attack on Rafah” to defeat the Palestinian group Hamas “he will not have a mandate to continue serving as prime minister”.

The far-right minister is a key member of the Netanyahu-led coalition government. Without the support of Ben-Gvir’s party, the prime minister would lose the majority in the Knesset.

Ben-Gvir’s comment came on X after renewed negotiations for a potential ceasefire and the release of captives in Cairo. There are conflicting reports on how the talks went. Some sources said progress was made, while a Hamas official told Al Jazeera and the Reuters news agency the gap between the warring sides is still wide.