The Israeli government is not expected to vote on the ceasefire agreement with Hamas until at least Friday (17), according to Israeli officials, following last-minute disputes with Hamas and internal divisions in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition.
The situation became even more tense on Thursday night (16), when Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s Minister of National Security, threatened to resign and withdraw his party from government if the cabinet approved the provisional ceasefire agreement.
Ben-Gvir argued that the deal would “effectively erase the results of the war,” saying the ceasefire would leave Hamas in power in Gaza.
His threat to leave Netanyahu’s coalition could destabilize the government at a critical moment, but is unlikely to prevent implementation of the ceasefire, which would also release hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
Netanyahu would still have a 62-seat majority in the 120-member Parliament.
Additionally, opposition MPs have pledged to support Netanyahu’s desire for a ceasefire if more hardline allies leave the coalition.
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Yair Lapid, leader of the parliamentary opposition, commented: “This is more important than all the differences of opinion we have ever had between us.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed confidence that the agreement will come into force on Sunday (19), as planned.
However, it remains unclear when exactly the Israeli cabinet will meet to discuss the deal.
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The Biden administration said its team continues to work with Israeli authorities and mediators to resolve the final details.
