‘Netanyahu to turn to centrists if Ben-Gvir, Smotrich quit over ceasefire deal’
As we reported earlier, Israel’s far-right Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir has threatened to quit the government if it agrees to a ceasefire deal and urged Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to join him.
We spoke to Alon Liel, the former director general of Israel’s Foreign Ministry, about Ben-Gvir’s latest threats. Here’s what he said:
“At this stage, what is clear is that these two ministers – Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, and maybe some others – will vote against the deal. But it’s also clear that there will be a majority for the deal.
“The question for now is if they will resign, [and] leave the government as a result.
“I don’t really think they have such an option because the parties from the centre will back Netanyahu for the deal. So it all depends on Netanyahu. Because if Netanyahu will feel he is losing his real allies in the coalition and again withdraw from the deal – this is one option but I don’t think it’s realistic.
“I think he will pass the deal without them, and if they leave the government, he will try to strengthen the government with more members of parliament from the centre. So my guess is that they will vote against but not leave the government.”
Israeli cabinet to approve Gaza deal despite opposition from Ben-Gvir, Smotrich: Minister
Israeli Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter says National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich “know well that their votes will not be decisive regarding the deal to return the abductees”.
“We are in decisive moments regarding the return of the abductees, and we, the cabinet members, will ensure their return to their families,” Dichter said.
Israel’s Netanyahu meeting with Smotrich: Reports
PM Netanyahu is now meeting far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, according to Israeli media reports, as negotiations for a ceasefire with Hamas advance.
Netanyahu is trying to persuade Smotrich not to resign from the government over a potential deal, according to Israel’s Walla news site.
Earlier today, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged Smotrich to resign alongside him if Israel agrees to a ceasefire, in a last-ditch bid to thwart a potential deal.
Israel’s Health Ministry gearing up for possible return of captives: Report
The Times of Israel reports that Dr Sharon Alroy-Preis, the head of the Israeli Health Ministry’s public health division, has said the ministry is preparing for the return of 33 captives as part of the first phase of a potential ceasefire.
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