Israeli Cabinet Divided Over Hostage Deal Negotiations
Internal Disputes Emerge Amidst Efforts to Secure Hostage Release
Negotiations for a potential deal to release hostages held by Hamas are intensifying, with Mossad Chief Dedi Barnea expected to fly to Qatar to advance the agreement. However, the proposed deal has sparked significant controversy within the Israeli government. Several ministers have voiced their dissatisfaction, arguing that the terms could ultimately benefit Hamas and compromise Israel's security objectives.
Minister Amichai Shikli stressed the importance of not allowing the rehabilitation of Hamas: "It is our moral duty to turn over every stone to bring our people back to their families, but we must not agree to a deal that allows Hamas to end the war and restore its capabilities. The goals of this war are clear: to eliminate the threat of terrorism from the Gaza Strip, destroy Hamas's military capabilities, and collapse its rule."
Echoing Shikli's concerns, Minister Orit Struck criticized the proposal for potentially abandoning the majority of the abductees: "The current proposal on the table is alarming. It suggests we will receive a small number of kidnapped individuals in exchange for the massive release of terrorists and a cessation of hostilities. This is unacceptable."
In a heated cabinet meeting, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of sidelining the cabinet in the decision-making process. "We are merely a decoration here," Ben Gvir said. "If you make decisions alone, it is your responsibility, and you will remain alone." He emphasized that the security establishment should not be the sole decision-makers, reflecting a sentiment shared by other ministers.
Minister Gila Gamaliel questioned Ben Gvir's remarks, asking if he was issuing a threat. Ben Gvir responded, "I'm not threatening; it's a reality. If we decide on our own, I won't be expected to hold the government." The exchange highlighted the deep divisions within the cabinet regarding the handling of the negotiations.
The cabinet also discussed Israel's response to threats from the northern front. Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi faced criticism for the current countermeasures. Ben Gvir questioned why the IDF was not more aggressive in eliminating terrorists in the north. Minister Eli Cohen suggested that Halevi visit Metula to understand the situation better, pointing out that nearby Lebanese settlements remained untouched while Israeli areas were under attack.
As the government grapples with these internal conflicts, the urgency to secure the release of hostages remains a pressing issue. The outcome of the negotiations and the internal cabinet dynamics will significantly impact Israel's strategy moving forward.
