Israel's Cabinet Approves the Hostage Deal Amid Opposition disapproval and Legal Scrutiny

wwwww

by Ifi Reporter Category:Politics Jan 17, 2025

In a special cabinet meeting held on Friday morning, the Israeli government approved the hostage deal brokered in Doha. Despite significant opposition from right-wing ministers, the deal secured the majority necessary for approval, largely due to support from the Likud party and Haredi factions. Several ministers, including Amichai Shikli and Dodi Amsalem, voted against the agreement, while Haredi ministers submitted ballots in favor before the Sabbath began.

"This was one of the most poignant meetings," said a government minister. "Almost everyone spoke from their hearts." While ministers from Otzma Yehudit and Religious Zionism also opposed the deal, the majority was solidified as key Likud members, including Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Minister Ze'ev Elkin, and Minister Miki Zohar, announced their support.

Netanyahu Secures American Backing

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reassured the cabinet that Israel has received "unequivocal guarantees" from both U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. These guarantees promise full American backing for Israel to resume military action against Hamas if the deal is violated or if negotiations on the second phase fail.

Netanyahu emphasized that the deal had only been made possible due to the actions of Israeli forces and the isolation of Hamas. "Hamas was the one who prevented a deal for months. But thanks to the heroism of our fighters and the pressure we've placed on the Iranian axis, Hamas folded," Netanyahu told the meeting. The Prime Minister's Office earlier stated that the Political-Security Cabinet had voted to favor the deal.

Right-Wing Ministers Continue to Oppose

Despite the majority approval, several ministers from the right-wing parties, including Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, voted against the deal. Ben-Gvir later urged his colleagues in the Likud and Religious Zionism parties to block the deal before the government meeting. "It's not too late, we can stop this deal," he said after the cabinet's approval.

Religious Services Minister Michael Malchieli and United Torah Judaism Chairman Minister Goldknopf expressed their support for the deal through personal notes on their ballots, quoting Jewish teachings on the sanctity of saving lives.

Logistics Plans in Motion for Hostage Release

Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar called for the immediate approval of the deal, urging the cabinet to move swiftly to ensure the release of the first three abductees, as part of the deal's first phase. "Delays could make it more difficult to release the hostages," Bar warned.

An Israeli security delegation, including senior officials from Shin Bet, the IDF, and Major General Rasan Alian, is set to leave for Cairo today to coordinate the details of the hostage release and ceasefire implementation. The delegation's tasks include managing the release process at the Rafah Crossing, which will facilitate the safe return of the hostages to Israel. Additionally, the delegation will discuss the reopening of the Rafah Crossing for the evacuation of wounded Palestinians and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Upcoming Steps and Potential Delays

While the deal has received approval, concerns over delays still linger. Reports suggest that the implementation of the agreement, particularly the release of kidnapped women, might be postponed by a day, moving from Sunday to Monday. Despite these concerns, legal experts have stated that legal obstacles will not delay the process.

The Israeli security delegation's coordination in Cairo will play a key role in ensuring that the deal proceeds smoothly and that the first wave of hostages is released without further setbacks. The international community, especially in Washington, is watching closely, as any further delay could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire and negotiations for the second phase of the agreement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
1915 Views

Comments

No comments have been left here yet. Be the first who will do it.
Safety

captchaPlease input letters you see on the image.
Click on image to redraw.

ABOUT IFI TODAY

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum

Testimonials

No testimonials. Click here to add your testimonials.