Netanyahu a dramatic turn of events, Avi Maoz, a far-right ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has resigned from the coalition government in protest against the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The truce, brokered by international mediators, came into effect amid one of the deadliest and most destructive periods of violence between the two sides. Maoz, known for his hardline nationalist stance and controversial political positions, has openly criticized the ceasefire, calling it a “betrayal of Israel’s security” and a concession to Hamas.
This resignation not only highlights divisions within Netanyahu’s coalition but also raises questions about the government’s stability and its capacity to navigate the complex political and security dynamics of the ongoing conflict. With internal dissent and public backlash against the ceasefire, Netanyahu’s government faces mounting challenges as it works to address domestic and international expectations.
This article explores Avi Maoz’s resignation, the political implications for Netanyahu’s fragile coalition, reactions from political circles, and what the fallout means for the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 
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Who is Avi Maoz?
Avi Maoz is a prominent far-right figure in Israeli politics, known for his ultranationalist views and staunch advocacy for Jewish sovereignty in all of Israel, including the occupied territories.
- Maoz leads the Noam Party, a small yet vocal faction within Netanyahu’s coalition that has often espoused anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, strict religious policies, and nationalist ideals.
- His party joined Netanyahu’s government following the 2022 elections as part of the broader coalition of far-right and religious groups that gave Netanyahu the parliamentary majority he needed to return to power.
Throughout his political career, Maoz has been an uncompromising critic of policies that he perceives as soft on Palestinians or a threat to Israel’s national security. His resignation marks the most significant protest within Netanyahu’s coalition since the escalation of violence in Gaza began.
The Ceasefire Agreement and Maoz’s Opposition
The ceasefire agreement, reached after weeks of negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, is a temporary truce intended to halt hostilities and address immediate humanitarian needs. It includes the following key provisions:
- A four-day pause in fighting, with the possibility of extensions if both sides comply.
- Hostage exchanges, with Hamas releasing 50 Israeli hostages—primarily women and children—in exchange for Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons.
- Humanitarian aid corridors to allow food, water, medicine, and fuel into Gaza.
While the agreement has been welcomed internationally and by parts of the Israeli public, far-right factions within Netanyahu’s government see it as a dangerous concession to Hamas.
Maoz’s Criticism of the Ceasefire
Maoz framed the ceasefire as a sign of weakness, claiming that it emboldens Hamas and undermines Israel’s military objectives. In his resignation statement, he said:
“This ceasefire is a betrayal of the citizens of Israel. By pausing military operations, we are giving Hamas the opportunity to regroup, strengthen, and prepare for further attacks on our people. This decision jeopardizes the security of Israel and is an unacceptable compromise.”
Maoz has also argued that releasing Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages sends the wrong message and rewards “terrorism.” He reiterated his belief that Hamas should be completely dismantled through continued military action, regardless of the humanitarian toll.
Political Implications for Netanyahu’s Government
Fragile Coalition Under Pressure
Netanyahu’s coalition is one of the most right-wing governments in Israel’s history, made up of far-right factions, religious parties, and Likud, Netanyahu’s political base. Avi Maoz’s resignation exposes the fractures within this alliance, particularly over the government’s handling of the conflict with Hamas.
While the coalition still retains a majority in the Knesset (Israeli Parliament), the departure of Maoz could embolden other dissenting voices within the far-right bloc, making governance more difficult for Netanyahu. Several other far-right leaders, including Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Minister of National Security, and Bezalel Smotrich, the Minister of Finance, have also publicly criticized the ceasefire.
Ben-Gvir issued a scathing statement, warning:
“This ceasefire weakens Israel. We have surrendered to terror, and I will not stand by as our government makes such dangerous mistakes.”
Netanyahu’s Dilemma
The resignation puts Netanyahu in a precarious position. While he has defended the ceasefire as necessary to secure the release of Israeli hostages and provide humanitarian relief for Gaza, he risks losing the support of his far-right allies if he is perceived as making concessions to Hamas.
Political analyst Haim Ramon said of the situation:
“Netanyahu is walking a tightrope. On one hand, he must manage the expectations of his far-right base, which demands an uncompromising stance on Hamas. On the other hand, he faces intense international pressure to de-escalate the situation and provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. This balancing act will determine the future of his government.”
Public Reaction
The Israeli public is deeply divided over the ceasefire and its implications, with sharp differences between those who welcome the pause in fighting and those who see it as capitulation to Hamas.
Support for the Ceasefire
- Families of Hostages: Families of the 240 hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack have largely welcomed the ceasefire. Many believe that any step toward the release of their loved ones is worth the compromise. One family member, speaking to Israeli media, said:
“We understand the criticism, but for us, the priority is to bring our family members home safe.” - Peace Advocates: Civil society groups and activists have hailed the ceasefire as a critical step toward de-escalation, arguing that continuing the war would lead to more civilian casualties and deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Opposition to the Ceasefire
- Hardline Citizens: Many Israelis, particularly those living near the Gaza border who have borne the brunt of Hamas rocket attacks, feel that the ceasefire is premature and leaves Israel vulnerable to further violence.
- Far-Right Protests: Supporters of Avi Maoz and other far-right leaders held small-scale protests in major cities, chanting slogans like, “No truce with terror” and “Finish the job in Gaza.”
International Reactions
The international community has largely welcomed the ceasefire and expressed hope that it could pave the way for longer-term solutions.
- United Nations: U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called the truce a “crucial humanitarian pause” and urged all parties to adhere to the agreement.
- United States: President Joe Biden, whose administration played a central role in brokering the deal, applauded the efforts to bring humanitarian relief to Gaza and secure the release of hostages.
- Arab Nations: Egypt and Qatar, key mediators in the negotiations, emphasized the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and addressing the root causes of the conflict to prevent future escalations.
Fallout in Gaza
For the people of Gaza, the ceasefire represents a brief but desperately needed reprieve from weeks of relentless bombardment.
- The ceasefire has allowed the entry of humanitarian aid into the territory, including food, water, and medical supplies.
- Gaza’s residents remain skeptical of how long the truce will last. Hadiya Hussein, a 39-year-old mother in Gaza City, said:
“We welcome the ceasefire, but this is temporary. We need a solution that ends the suffering once and for all.” - Hamas’s Perspective: Hamas has framed the ceasefire as a victory for its resistance, arguing that it forced Israel to negotiate and agree to terms favorable to the Palestinian cause.
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Broader Implications of Maoz’s Resignation
For Netanyahu’s Government
Avi Maoz’s resignation signals the growing rift within the coalition and highlights the challenges Netanyahu faces in balancing competing interests. If more far-right members follow Maoz’s lead, Netanyahu could be forced to renegotiate his coalition agreements or risk losing his majority in the Knesset.
For Israel’s Security Policy
The resignation underscores the deep divisions in Israeli society and politics over how to deal with Hamas. While the military campaign enjoyed broad support initially, the decision to agree to a ceasefire has revealed fault lines in the approach toward achieving security and stability.
Conclusion
Avi Maoz’s resignation from Benjamin Netanyahu’s government over the Gaza ceasefire agreement is a stark reminder of the challenges the Israeli prime minister faces in managing his fractious coalition. As Israel navigates this fragile truce, internal dissent and public opinion will continue to shape the country’s political and security landscape.
While the ceasefire offers a brief pause in hostilities, its future—and the future of Netanyahu’s government—remains uncertain. The coming days will be critical in determining whether this truce can lead to longer-term de-escalation or whether it will be another chapter in the protracted cycle of conflict between Israel and Hamas. ALSO READ:- Israel-Hamas Ceasefire LIVE: First Aid Trucks Enter Gaza as Ceasefire Holds Amid Opposition 2025