US Pushes Israel for Gaza Ceasefire Amid Ministerial Opposition to Halt Strikes

The United States is pressuring Israel to initiate a two-week ceasefire in Gaza to begin implementing a plan aimed at disarming Hamas, according to a report by Kan News on Friday evening. However, during a recent discussion in the Security Cabinet, several Israeli ministers opposed the ceasefire, arguing that military strikes should continue. Government Secretary Yossi Fox noted that Israel has not yet signed the agreement allowing a multinational force to enter Gaza.

A follow-up discussion is expected on Sunday within the smaller cabinet forum. On Monday, ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Orit Strook sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemning the US-backed Peace Council's Gaza plan as dangerous for Israel. They criticized the 15-point roadmap for contradicting Israel’s primary goal of disarming Hamas and removing threats from Gaza, as well as US assurances on this matter.

The ministers also expressed concerns about the multinational force (ISF) proposed to enter Gaza, stating it would oversee Israel, separate it from Hamas, and restrict IDF operations, contrary to previous cabinet assurances that the force would operate on Gaza’s "red line," assist in weapons collection, and prevent threats to Israel. In response, a political source affirmed Israel’s commitment to its current stance in Gaza and its intent to continue thwarting threats to its citizens and soldiers.

Notably, the US Peace Council’s plan includes a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a point also reflected in a 20-point document from former President Donald Trump, which Israel has accepted. The Peace Council proposes that Hamas surrender its weapons in exchange for financial incentives, raising questions about actual control in Gaza following any agreement.