Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly shut down calls to hold a vote on a proposed ceasefire-hostage deal during a stormy security cabinet meeting that stretched into the early hours of Monday.
According to The Times of Israel, Netanyahu told ministers the plan was not up for debate, stressing that US President Donald Trump had advised him against accepting a partial agreement.
The Tel Aviv meeting lasted nearly six hours and focused mainly on the Israel Defence Forces’ (IDF) plan to seize Gaza City. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly raised the issue of a potential hostage deal, even though it was not on the agenda.
IDF CHIEF WARNS AGAINST FULL TAKEOVER
During the tense exchanges, Zamir reportedly warned that the Gaza City operation could drag Israel into a full-fledged occupation of the Strip
“You are heading to a military government,” he was quoted as saying by Ynet. “Your plan is leading us there. Understand the implications.”
Zamir, who has previously flagged concerns about the strategy, argued that the current approach lacked a clear exit plan. He also warned that seizing Gaza City would leave Israel with no alternative but to impose direct rule over the Strip.
PUSH FOR A PERMANENT GAZA DEAL
The deal, which Hamas said it accepted on August 18, included the release of 10 living hostages and the return of the remains of 18 others. In return, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian security prisoners and around 1,000 Gazan detainees.
The plan also called for a 60-day ceasefire, during which talks would continue for the release of about 20 more hostages, including 10 to 12 believed to be alive, along with discussions on a permanent end to the conflict.
NETANYAHU CITES TRUMP’S PRESSURE
Despite these arguments, Netanyahu made clear he was unwilling to move forward with a partial deal. He reportedly told ministers that Trump had warned him not to fall into a “salami” process of piecemeal agreements with Hamas.
“Forget the partial deals Go in with full force and finish this,” Netanyahu quoted Trump as saying.
Ahead of the meeting, Channel 12 reported that Trump was already urging Netanyahu to intensify efforts to defeat Hamas after losing faith in ongoing ceasefire and hostage-release talks.
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir also weighed in, reportedly suggesting that instead of a military government, Israel should encourage the voluntary migration of Gazans.
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