Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit rejoins Israeli government

Itamar Ben-Gvir’s right-wing Otzma Yehudit Party announced on Tuesday it was returning to the Israeli government, almost two months after resigning in protest due to the ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza.

The government also reinstated Otzma Yehudit MKs Yitzhak Wasserlauf as Minister of Negev and Galilee Development, and Amichai Eliyahu as Heritage Minister.

The move came despite legal objections from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who told Netanyahu that Ben-Gvir’s reinstatement was legally untenable. The government ignored her advice, escalating tensions between the ruling coalition and the judiciary.

Ben-Gvir, who had left the government in January to protest a ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas, rejoined after Israel resumed military operations in Gaza on Tuesday. “Together in strength, for the sake of the people of Israel,” he posted on X alongside a photo with Netanyahu.

The Knesset is expected to approve the appointments on Wednesday, though legal challenges are anticipated. Activists are preparing to petition the High Court, citing previous rulings that Ben-Gvir violated court orders while overseeing police operations.

Baharav-Miara’s opposition stems from Ben-Gvir’s alleged interference in police affairs, including accusations that he pressured officers to take harsher measures against anti-government protesters and intervened in police appointments. In 2024, she warned that he was using his authority in an “illegitimate” manner, citing a letter from former police commissioner Kobi Shabtai, who alleged Ben-Gvir instructed officers to ignore cabinet orders regarding humanitarian aid convoys to Gaza.

During Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar lambasted Baharav-Miara, likening her to a “kamikaze” pilot harming the government. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi dismissed her legal opinion, saying it “doesn’t interest anyone, especially not an elected government working in the name of the people.”

Justice Minister Yariv Levin has initiated a process to remove Baharav-Miara, though it remains uncertain whether it will succeed.

With Otzma Yehudit back in the government, Netanyahu gains more coalition stability ahead of key budget votes. Leaders of the United Torah Judaism party have threatened to withhold support for the state budget if legislation exempting yeshiva students from military service is not advanced.

By law, the Knesset must pass a budget by March 31 or the government will automatically fall, triggering national elections.