Israel Cabinet Delays Vote on Gaza Ceasefire Amid Internal Disputes

Security cabinet to vote Friday, full cabinet decision postponed; opposition leader pledges support for hostage deal

Tel Aviv [Israel], January 17: Israel’s cabinet has delayed a crucial vote on the proposed Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal until Saturday, with the security cabinet set to hold a preliminary vote on Friday, according to a CNN report.

The meeting, initially scheduled for Thursday, was deferred amid political tensions and opposition within the government coalition. An Israeli official confirmed that the full cabinet decision would now take place on Saturday.

Political Reactions to the Deal

Opposition leader Yair Lapid addressed concerns over coalition dissent, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to hesitate in advancing the deal. In a post on X, Lapid offered support, stating, “I say to Benjamin Netanyahu, don’t be afraid or intimidated. You will get every safety net you need to make the hostage deal. This is more important than any disagreement we’ve ever had.”

However, the deal has drawn sharp criticism from Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, a member of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party. Labeling the agreement as “reckless,” Ben-Gvir warned that its approval would undermine Israel’s gains in the war and enable Hamas to regroup.

“If this reckless deal is approved and implemented, the Otzma Yehudit party will not be part of the government and will withdraw from it,” Ben-Gvir stated on X.

Escalation in Gaza

Despite the ceasefire announcement, Gaza remains embroiled in violence. Israeli airstrikes have reportedly killed 86 people and injured 258 since Wednesday, according to Gaza’s Civil Defence. Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for the agency, noted that Thursday’s death toll, including 23 children, marked the highest in over a week.

Deal Details and Implications

The proposed ceasefire includes a phased approach, starting with a halt in fighting, the release of hostages, and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners. Critics within the Israeli government argue that the deal leaves key objectives, such as the full release of hostages and the dismantling of Hamas, unfulfilled.

As the internal political drama unfolds, the fate of the ceasefire agreement remains uncertain, with the next steps hinging on the outcome of Friday’s security cabinet vote.

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Tags: Israel Cabinet Vote, Gaza Ceasefire, Hostage Deal, Netanyahu, Yair Lapid, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Otzma Yehudit, Gaza Airstrikes
#Tags: #Israel #GazaCeasefire #HostageDeal #Netanyahu #ItamarBenGvir #YairLapid #MiddleEastCrisis #GazaConflict