Amid Knesset brawl, Netanyahu hints 'Israel' might resume Gaza war
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A violent clash broke out between the families of Israeli captives and Knesset ushers, who blocked them from entering the Knesset's gallery.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to reporters after meeting with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 (AP)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied Monday that "Israel" breached the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, Israeli media reported.
Referring to the side letter attached to the agreement from the previous US administration, backed by the Trump administration, Netanyahu claimed that "Israel" retains "the right at any moment from Day 42 to drop out of the negotiations and return to fighting if we are under the impression that the talks are pointless."
He said he agrees with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who stated that Hamas and "Israel" are too far apart to proceed to the second phase of negotiations, which, according to Netanyahu, jeopardizes the talks.
“There is a proposal in front of us. We are still in the agreement, we are not violating the agreement, but we are not returning immediately to war,” the Israeli premier indicated.
He further stated, “Who knows, we might need to,” adding that Witkoff offers a way to return all the captives from Gaza "in two releases."
Addressing Hamas directly, Netanyahu warned, “If you do not release our hostages, there will be consequences that you can’t even imagine.”
Discussing his decision to authorize the infamous pager attack against Hezbollah in Lebanon, Netanyahu stated that his government operates based on "doing what is good" for "Israel" at the appropriate time and place.
Regarding US President Donald Trump’s Gaza "takeover" plan, which includes the forced displacement of Palestinians from the enclave to neighboring countries, Netanyahu called it “brave and innovative” and expressed full support.
On Syria, Netanyahu claimed that "Israel" is extending its support to the Druze and Kurds.
Elsewhere, the Israeli Prime Minister reaffirmed that "Israel" would continue its efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
In a related context, Netanyahu said "Israel" is preparing “for the next stages” of the multi-front war.
“We won’t stop until we achieve all the goals of victory,” he vowed, accusing the Israeli opposition of waging “fictitious and cynical campaign… on the backs of the hostages’ families” for saying that the government was jeopardizing the ceasefire agreement.
Violent clashes, calls for Knesset speaker's resignation
As Netanyahu addressed the Knesset, several families of captives and settlers killed on October 7, 2023, seated in the visitors' gallery, turned their backs on the premier in protest.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana initially called for the families to be removed, citing a ban on protests within the plenum. However, he later appears to reverse his position, emphasizing that the families should show respect.
Members of the so-called October Council, which represents survivors, former captives, and families of Israelis killed on October 7, entered the Knesset gallery after initially being blocked by security, leading to violent clashes.
According to the Israeli Channel 12, most of the council members have since been allowed to enter the guest gallery.
A violent clash broke out between the families and Knesset ushers, who blocked them from entering the Knesset's gallery, sparking calls for Ohana’s resignation.
The confrontation escalated into a physical altercation, with guards pushing and grabbing protesters at the base of the stairs leading to the gallery.
Clashes broke out inside the Israeli Knesset on Monday evening.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) March 3, 2025
Israeli police can be seen attacking families of Israeli captives after a decision was taken to limit the entry into the Knesset's gallery. pic.twitter.com/BFErlix6Kb
The Knesset was set to hold a special session, during which Netanyahu would respond to demands from lawmakers and the October Council for the establishment of a "state" commission of inquiry into the October 7 events.
During the debate, Democratic MK Gilad Kariv and Yesh Atid lawmaker Vladimir Beliak were removed from the Knesset plenum for yelling at Netanyahu. As the Israeli premier began his remarks, lawmakers jeered and booed, prompting Netanyahu to demand silence.
“Yesterday we sent a letter to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, announcing the intention of dozens of bereaved families to come to the guest gallery and watch the discussion on establishing a state commission of inquiry,” the October Council stated.
It underscored that “the violence directed at the families of the October Council is unacceptable” and is aimed at preventing them from receiving answers about what happened on October 7, calling for the Knesset speaker's immediate resignation.
"By ordering bereaved families to be beaten by the Knesset Guard, [he has caused] the entire State of Israel to be ashamed of him,” the group said, adding, “Our patience is running out.”
'The greatest disaster that has happened to the Jewish people'
In response to Netanyahu's speech in the Knesset, opposition leader Yair Lapid told him, “The greatest disaster that has happened to the Jewish people since the Holocaust belongs to you. It will always belong to you," referring to the October 7 events.
He added that “any person on whose watch this disaster happened would take it with him to his grave until his last day.”
Lapid also criticized Netanyahu for losing his temper during the speech as he was heckled and booed by lawmakers.
Read more: Hamas lists Israeli violations of ceasefire, urges second phase talks
