Smotrich and Struck Urge Netanyahu to Halt International Force Deployment in Gaza

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Settlement Minister Ayelet Shaked (note: article mentions Orit Struck, but current minister is Ayelet Shaked; assuming Struck as per text) have sent an urgent letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding the convening of the Security Cabinet to stop the implementation of the "roadmap" published by the Peace Council. They argue the document contradicts Israel's war objectives and prior commitments. Both ministers, members of the Security Cabinet, claim the official Peace Council document differs significantly from the version presented during cabinet discussions, and decisions were made based on inaccurate information.

Smotrich and Struck demand the government clarify Israel's rejection of the current plan, prevent the entry of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) into Gaza until the document is revised, and require the Peace Council to align the plan with war goals, primarily Hamas's disarmament and Gaza's demilitarization. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir supported their stance, emphasizing that only Israel can eliminate Hamas and pledging to push for a Knesset vote on the agreement.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the ministers, questioning who provided them with false information during the cabinet discussions, since the matter was politically settled with the Americans. Smotrich and Struck warn that without immediate changes, the roadmap could create a new security reality in Gaza that undermines Israel's war aims.

Key concerns include the plan's failure to mandate the removal or destruction of all weapons in Gaza, instead transferring arms control to a new Arab body, the NCAG, which they say does not guarantee full demilitarization. The plan also calls for a gradual Israeli withdrawal concurrent with disarmament, rather than after its completion, which they argue endangers Israel. They criticize the application of Palestinian Authority laws to the NCAG and other Gaza bodies, fearing continued support for terrorism and payments to militants, including former Hamas officials.

They further warn that the international stabilization force will mainly separate the IDF from the NCAG without actively disarming Gaza or combating terror groups, potentially restricting Israel's freedom of action. The establishment of an international verification committee including the Peace Council, ISF, and Arab states raises concerns about Israel's influence and security interests.

The ministers also oppose rebuilding Gaza before full disarmament and criticize insufficient oversight of construction materials that could be used militarily. They highlight that the roadmap again promotes establishing a Palestinian state, which they label an existential threat to Israel. They call on the government to reject the current roadmap, convene the Security Cabinet immediately, and block ISF deployment until the plan aligns with Israel's war objectives and commitments.