Two Israeli government ministers, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz, openly opposed a potential truce deal in Gaza on Sunday.
They criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration for not moving forward with plans to invade Rafah, Hamas’s stronghold in the Palestinian territory.
Smotrich and Gantz strongly advocated for the destruction of Hamas, reiterating the government’s initial intentions following an attack by the Islamist group on October 7. Smotrich directly addressed Netanyahu, stating that if the government abandoned the plan to occupy Rafah and eradicate Hamas to ensure Israel’s security, it would lose its legitimacy.
In a similar vein, Gantz, a former military chief, emphasized the importance of entering Rafah in the ongoing battle against Hamas.
He warned that if the government did not follow through with a strategic plan endorsed by the defense establishment to secure the release of hostages without ending the conflict, it would lack the mandate to govern.
Despite mounting diplomatic pressure against a ground assault on Rafah, Netanyahu remains committed to sending troops into the area. Meanwhile, efforts to broker a truce and secure the release of hostages have been heightened, with Egypt serving as a key intermediary.
A Hamas delegation is scheduled to meet with Egyptian officials to discuss Israel’s latest proposals for a truce and hostage release. Reports suggest that Israel is open to dialogue on achieving sustainable calm in Gaza post-hostage release, marking a potential shift in its stance during the nearly seven-month conflict.
Key mediators such as Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have been actively involved in facilitating a new truce, especially after a brief ceasefire in November resulted in a prisoner exchange between Israel and Palestine.
