"Israel" has reinstated Itamar Ben-Gvir as the occupation's minister of colonial security, two months after he resigned in opposition to a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed on Wednesday that the decision was approved unanimously.

Ben-Gvir, leader of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, stepped down from his ministerial role in January 2025, protesting the truce between Hamas and "Israel". Shortly after his resignation, his party also left the ruling coalition.

According to a statement issued by Netanyahu's office: "The Government, last night, unanimously approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal to reappoint MK Itamar Ben-Gvir as National Security Minister."

Along with Ben-Gvir, Amichay Eliahu was reinstated as the so-called Minister of Heritage, while Isaac Wasserlauf resumed his position as Minister of Settler Expansion in the Naqab and Galilee.

War on Gaza Resumes as Ben-Gvir Rejoins Cabinet

Ben-Gvir's return coincides with the renewed bombing campaign on Gaza, which followed the collapse of the ceasefire agreement on March 1.

On Tuesday, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) resumed airstrikes, after what Netanyahu's office claimed was Hamas' refusal to accept a US-proposed extension of the ceasefire and further release of captives.

According to Gaza's health ministry, more than 400 Palestinians were killed in airstrikes early Tuesday morning in the span of a few hours.

Read more: 'Israel' launches relentless airstrikes on Gaza, killing dozens

Ceasefire Violations 

The January ceasefire had been in place since January 19, but on March 2, "Israel" blocked humanitarian aid to Gaza and threatened further escalation over Hamas' rejection of a US-backed proposal.

The ceasefire agreement, which was intended to enter a second phase weeks ago, has been abandoned by "Israel", which now seeks to implement a new truce deal that Hamas says undermines the original terms.

Despite ongoing military attacks, Israeli media reports indicate that negotiations over a ceasefire and prisoner exchange are continuing "under fire."

Shifting Blame for Escalation

Amid international scrutiny, "Israel's" Foreign Ministry issued a statement attempting to shift responsibility onto Hamas: "We have reached this situation after Hamas repeatedly refused proposals to extend the ceasefire and release our hostages." The ministry also claimed: "Hamas rejected two concrete mediation proposals presented by the US President's envoy, Steve Witkoff. Israel agreed to these mediation proposals. Hamas refused them."

Palestinian officials, however, argue that "Israel" never intended to uphold the truce and instead used the ceasefire period to prepare for renewed aggression.

The Government Media Office in Gaza condemned the latest escalation as an extension of "Israel's" genocide against civilians, pointing to the ongoing blockade that has left over 2.4 million Palestinians without access to food, medicine, and essential supplies.