Israeli PM's Office Shocked by Trump-Announced Gaza Ceasefire Deal with Hamas

Senior Israeli officials expressed shock and embarrassment following U.S. President Donald Trump's public revelation of a ceasefire agreement framework with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The deal, disclosed over the weekend on Trump's social media platform Truth Social, outlines conditions for implementing the second phase of a ceasefire, describing it as a historic step toward peace and security. Trump emphasized that the agreement would establish a new Palestinian governance in Gaza cooperating closely with the U.S.-led Peace Council, while ensuring Israel's security and ending Gaza as a base for terror attacks.

The agreement, reportedly pressured on Hamas by U.S. envoy Jared Kushner and Palestinian figure Mohammed Dahlan, is expected to be signed next week. American officials anticipate Israel's full cooperation, with the new National Committee for Gaza Management (NCAG) replacing both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority in Gaza. Despite the positive tone, U.S. sources caution that the process is complex, potentially lasting up to a year and fraught with challenges.

Last Sunday, Israel's security cabinet unanimously approved the entry of the international Peace Council into Gaza, except for Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir who opposed it. The cabinet also authorized immunity for the International Stabilization Force (ISF), which will operate beyond Israel's "yellow line" in coordination with the IDF. Entry of ISF forces requires approval from Israel's Prime Minister, Defense, and Foreign Ministers, limited to countries with peace agreements with Israel.

However, dissent emerged from Religious Zionism ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Orit Strook, who claimed they received incorrect information about the agreement and demanded a new decision. They warned the plan could create a dangerous security reality, citing concerns that the NCAG would assume control of weapons without disarmament and that Israel's withdrawal would be gradual rather than conditional on full disarmament. They also criticized the international force's limited mandate and the establishment of an international verification committee potentially including hostile states.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid challenged the dissenting ministers to identify who provided them with false information, emphasizing the political nature of the deal negotiated with the Americans. Israeli officials reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining current security lines and preventing any threats to Israeli citizens and soldiers until Hamas is fully disarmed and Gaza is demilitarized.