Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has strongly condemned the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, labeling it “reckless.” Ben-Gvir argued that the deal jeopardizes the achievements of the recent war and vowed that his party, Otzma Yehudit, would exit the government if the agreement is implemented.
In a post on X, Ben-Gvir expressed his concerns:
“The deal that is taking shape is a reckless deal. It includes the release of hundreds of murderous terrorists, the return of thousands of terrorists to the northern Gaza Strip, a withdrawal from the Philadelphia axis, and a cessation of fighting, and thus the deal will effectively erase the achievements of the war.”
He criticised the agreement for leaving the fate of some hostages uncertain and halting the war without defeating Hamas. Ben-Gvir stated that his party would only rejoin the government if the war resumed with the aim of achieving its unfulfilled objectives.
He also called on members of the Religious Zionist Party and Likud lawmakers to oppose what he described as a “reckless surrender deal.”
Ceasefire Agreement Details
The ceasefire, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, is set to begin on January 19. The deal includes three phases: a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and a hostage exchange. US President Joe Biden announced the agreement, emphasizing the international coalition’s efforts in reaching the deal and its potential for bringing stability to the region.
Reactions from Netanyahu and Biden
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has engaged in discussions with US President-elect Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden regarding the agreement. Biden highlighted the diplomatic efforts involved and expressed hope that the ceasefire could pave the way for a lasting peace.