Israeli Security Cabinet Approves Controversial Hostage Deal with Hamas

Israeli Security Cabinet Approves Controversial Hostage Deal with Hamas

Edited by: Fern Sidman

The Israeli Security Cabinet voted on Friday to approve a high-stakes hostage deal with Hamas, despite objections from some senior ministers. According to a report on the Israel National News (INN) web site, the deal seeks to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, while balancing Israel’s diplomatic, security, and humanitarian interests. Only National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich voted against the agreement.

The Prime Minister’s Office explained the rationale behind the deal, stating, “Following an evaluation of all diplomatic, security, and humanitarian aspects, and while understanding that the proposed deal supports the achievement of the objectives of the war, the Security Cabinet has recommended that the Government approve the proposed framework.” INN noted that the government is set to convene later in the day to finalize the decision.

During the Security Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the international support for Israel’s position. Netanyahu shared excerpts from his conversations with President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump, pointing to their consensus that if the second phase of negotiations fails, Israel will resume intensive military action.

Senior security officials advocated for the immediate ratification of the deal. ISA (Shin Bet) Director Ronen Bar highlighted the urgency of the situation, warning that delays could endanger the hostages’ lives and give Hamas more time to regroup. According to the information provided by INN, Bar stated, “It is important to ratify the deal as fast as possible and not to defer the general cabinet meeting to tomorrow. The earlier we bring the hostages home, the better.”

The deal reportedly contains safeguards to protect Israel’s security interests, a point strongly emphasized by the heads of Israel’s security establishment during the Cabinet meeting.

Despite widespread support among security officials, the deal has sparked significant controversy. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir voiced fierce opposition, particularly over the release of convicted Palestinian terrorists. INN quoted Ben-Gvir as saying, “If until yesterday I was terrified of this deal, today, as more and more details come out about the release of terrorists with life sentences into Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria when everyone knows that the terrorists will again attack and kill, I am so much more terrified.”

Ben-Gvir called on his coalition colleagues to oppose the agreement, arguing that it jeopardizes Israel’s security. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also voted against the deal but has been in talks with Netanyahu to ensure the Religious Zionism party remains in the coalition despite their disagreement. In his discussions with Netanyahu, Smotrich reiterated that without a clear path to military escalation and a definitive plan to dismantle Hamas, his party would have no choice but to withdraw from the government.

INN reported significant progress in these discussions, signaling efforts to maintain government stability following the contentious decision. Critical understandings were reached on conditions for resuming combat in the Gaza Strip and the management of humanitarian aid. According to INN, these agreements appear to stabilize the coalition following threats of resignation from both Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Finance Minister Smotrich has been vocal in his opposition to the recently approved hostage deal, emphasizing that his party, the Religious Zionism Party, would only remain in the coalition if Israel commits to fully resuming large-scale military operations in Gaza after the deal concludes. INN reported that Smotrich insisted on “a full return to war with great force, in full scale, and a new configuration, until total victory on all its components, first and foremost, the destruction of the Hamas terror organization and the return of all hostages.”

Although the full details of the agreements have yet to be disclosed, the INN report highlighted that government sources are framing this as a significant political breakthrough. Smotrich’s primary conditions regarding military operations and the control of humanitarian aid were reportedly accepted during the talks. This development could prevent a potential collapse of the coalition, especially after Ben-Gvir threatened to resign if the hostage deal proceeded.

Minister of Culture Miki Zohar supported the deal after carefully reviewing its terms. Zohar told INN, “After I learned the details of the deal, I was convinced that Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump insisted on the fundamental principles critical to Israel’s security, and more is unknown than is known.” Zohar’s statement reflects the delicate balance of securing hostages while preserving Israel’s long-term security interests.

As of now, the government’s formal approval of the deal remains pending, with a meeting scheduled for later in the day. The agreement has broad implications, including the potential release of individuals convicted of terrorism, which critics argue could lead to future attacks. Proponents, however, maintain that the deal prioritizes the immediate safety and return of Israeli hostages.

Smotrich expressed his satisfaction with the progress made, stating, “Over the past two days, the Prime Minister and I have been conducting feverish discussions on the matter. He knows what the Religious Zionist Party’s demands are, and the ball is in his court.”

The government’s decision to approve the hostage deal has been polarizing, with both Smotrich and Ben-Gvir strongly opposing the agreement due to its inclusion of concessions to Hamas. As INN reported earlier, Smotrich condemned the deal, arguing that it compromises Israel’s security and undermines its long-term objectives in Gaza.

 Ben-Gvir, on the other hand, threatened to resign from the government entirely, citing concerns over the release of dangerous terrorists as part of the deal. The tensions within the coalition have highlighted the fragility of Israel’s current political alignment and the high stakes involved in balancing humanitarian considerations with national security objectives.

The government now faces the task of navigating these commitments, ensuring that the coalition remains intact, and addressing the security concerns that have fueled internal discord. The coming weeks will likely determine whether these agreements will hold and how they will shape Israel’s approach to the ongoing conflict.