Israeli Minister Admits Deal Was Not Ideal, No Hamas Disarmament Deadline
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Minister Ze'ev Elkin stated that a voluntary disarmament of Hamas is unlikely to succeed, and Israel reached a "not ideal" agreement to secure hostage releases. Minister Orit Struk advocated for full occupation and settlement of Gaza. Local officials stressed the need for Hamas disarmament and reconstruction, urging its prioritization in upcoming elections. The discussions occurred at a forum in Kibbutz Nir Oz.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Minister Ze'ev Elkin stated that Hamas disarming voluntarily is unlikely to succeed.
- Elkin acknowledged Israel reached a "not ideal" agreement to balance hostage releases and disarmament.
- Minister Orit Struk called for full occupation and settlement of Gaza.
- Deputy Mayor Elad Calimi noted disarmament is absent from election platforms.
- Eshkol Council Head Michal Ohayon urged against international pressure until Hamas is disarmed.
At a "Times of Deeds" forum in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ze'ev Elkin stated that the plan for Hamas to disarm voluntarily is unlikely to succeed. Elkin, who was among those who supported a ceasefire agreement last year, acknowledged that Israel reached a "not ideal" agreement due to the tension between disarming Hamas and releasing hostages. He asserted that Israel must disarm Hamas itself, indicating that Israel would not agree to a 15-point plan and would choose the lesser of two bad options.
Minister of Settlement Affairs Orit Struk, who voted against a previous hostage and ceasefire deal, argued that Gaza is part of the Land of Israel and advocated for a full occupation and complete disarmament of Hamas, suggesting a military administration and encouraging immigration and settlement in Gaza as the best solutions.
Elad Calimi, Deputy Mayor of Sderot, addressed government and party representatives, highlighting the consensus on the necessity of disarming Gaza and dismantling Hamas, yet noting its absence from election platforms. He stressed that disarmament must precede reconstruction and urged parties to prioritize this issue in their election campaigns.
Michal Ohayon, Head of the Eshkol Regional Council, emphasized that reconstruction is a long-term process and that the region will not be a symbol of massacre but of growth. She urged against succumbing to international pressure until Hamas is disarmed and called for a state commission of inquiry after the elections.