Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened his political security cabinet to vote on a cease-fire agreement with Hamas, signaling a potential breakthrough in the ongoing conflict.
After a prolonged series of negotiations, both Israeli and Hamas representatives resolved their outstanding disagreements, paving the way for a possible truce.
Early Friday, Mr. Netanyahu’s office issued a statement confirming that the security cabinet would meet later that day to deliberate on the proposed cease-fire. Israeli officials, speaking anonymously, indicated that the meeting would take place in the morning. The vote, initially expected on Thursday, was delayed due to last-minute disputes with Hamas and internal divisions within Netanyahu’s governing coalition.
The timing of Mr. Netanyahu’s announcement has raised hopes that the cease-fire could be implemented as early as this weekend. U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken expressed optimism on Thursday, stating his confidence that the agreement would take effect by Sunday.
Internal Political Strains
The proposed deal has exposed rifts within Israel’s government. Itamar Ben-Gvir, the hard-line national security minister, voiced strong opposition to the agreement, threatening to resign and withdraw his party from the coalition if the deal is approved. Mr. Ben-Gvir argued that the cease-fire would allow Hamas to retain control over Gaza, a position he described as unacceptable.
While Ben-Gvir’s resignation could destabilize Netanyahu’s coalition, it is unlikely to derail the cease-fire altogether. Opposition lawmakers have signaled their willingness to support the agreement, ensuring its passage even if some hard-line members of the coalition defect.
The cease-fire deal is also tied to a significant humanitarian component: the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. This aspect of the agreement has garnered widespread international attention and added urgency to the negotiations.
Pressure from the United States
International diplomacy has played a critical role in advancing the cease-fire negotiations. President-elect Donald J. Trump, set to be inaugurated on Monday, has pressed both sides to finalize the agreement before his swearing-in. In a podcast interview on Thursday, Mr. Trump reiterated his demand for a resolution, warning that failure to do so would have severe consequences. In December, shortly after his re-election, he declared there would be “hell to pay” if a deal was not reached.
Outgoing President Joe Biden has also remained steadfast in his support for Israel throughout the conflict. In his final television interview as president, which aired Thursday night on MSNBC, Mr. Biden defended his administration’s diplomatic efforts to broker the cease-fire. Despite months of intensive negotiations and challenges, he expressed hope that the agreement would mark a turning point in the region.
Continued Violence in Gaza
Even as the cease-fire deal moves closer to approval, violence has persisted. The Palestinian Civil Defense reported that Israeli strikes had killed at least 101 people since the agreement was announced. These claims have not been independently verified. Meanwhile, the Israeli military stated on Thursday that it had conducted strikes on approximately 50 targets across Gaza in the past 24 hours. Military officials emphasised that they had taken “numerous steps” to minimize civilian casualties during these operations.
The ongoing attacks confirm the fragility of the situation and the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities. The humanitarian toll of the conflict has been devastating, with both sides suffering significant losses. The proposed cease-fire offers a glimmer of hope for de-escalation, but its success will depend on the commitment of all parties to uphold the terms of the agreement.
Broader Implications
The outcome of the security cabinet’s vote will have far-reaching implications for the region. A successful cease-fire could provide a foundation for renewed peace efforts and address the dire humanitarian needs in Gaza. Conversely, a failure to reach an agreement could lead to further escalation, prolonging the cycle of violence.
The international community will be closely watching developments in Israel, with the United States playing a particularly influential role. Both the outgoing and incoming administrations have emphasized the importance of a resolution, reflecting the high stakes of the situation.
As Israel’s political security cabinet convenes to make its decision, the world waits to see whether this latest attempt at diplomacy can bring an end to the violence. The stakes are immense, not only for the people directly affected by the conflict but also for the broader stability of the region.
