Israeli Cabinet Clashes Over Gaza Peace Council Deal and Lebanon Escalation

During the Israeli Cabinet meeting last Thursday, ministers engaged in heated debates over two main issues: the Gaza Peace Council agreement and the escalating tensions in Lebanon. Sharp criticisms were directed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Regarding the Gaza agreement, Minister Avi Dichter criticized the document for lacking provisions on dismantling Hamas's military capabilities. Netanyahu opposed demands for withdrawal and cessation of targeted killings, stating, "They want a withdrawal. I do not agree to withdrawal or stopping targeted killings if our lives are at risk." Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for a tougher stance, saying, "It is not enough only if lives are at risk. Much more is needed." Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich admitted he was unaware of the agreement's implications when the Cabinet last convened, prompting a sharp retort from Minister Ze'ev Elkin: "What are you playing at? This was in the material." Netanyahu also addressed the American demand for a 14-day ceasefire, warning, "The Americans want us to allow Hamas to lay down arms for 14 days." National Security Advisor Samuel Ben-Ezra described intense, continuous pressure to accept the ceasefire. Minister Orit Strook criticized the move, saying, "We are establishing a renewed Palestinian authority in Gaza." On the Lebanon front, tensions were high following the deaths of two paratroopers during the week. Ben-Gvir directly questioned Zamir on whether the military response was sufficient. Zamir replied it was adequate and approved by Netanyahu but hinted at further targets pending political approval. Ben-Gvir rejected this, criticizing the military's approach as ineffective and a waste of time if it only targets additional warehouses or command centers without changing the situation.