Ben-Gvir slams Biden ceasefire bid, to dissolve cabinet if implemented
5 Min Read
Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticizes US President Joe Biden's ceasefire proposal for Gaza, saying that if it was put into effect, he would dissolve the government.
-
Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir attends the weekly cabinet meeting in occupied al-Quds, occupied Palestine, September 10, 2023 (AP)
Two Israeli ministers have voiced strong opposition to the proposed prisoner exchange deal between the Israeli occupation and Gaza's resistance factions, mediated by US President Joe Biden.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich described Biden's proposal as "dangerous", asserting that he had informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of his vehement opposition to the deal if it signifies a defeat.
"If the government adopts this capitulation proposal, we will not be part of it and will work to replace the failed leadership," Smotrich declared, taking a direct jab at Netanyahu's administration.
Smotrich further contended that the proposal presented by the war cabinet lacked legal authority and was not binding on the Israeli government.
Biden also acknowledged opposition to the plan within "Israel", particularly among some government coalition members, who advocate for continuing the war indefinitely, prioritizing the occupation of Gaza over the release of Israeli captives.
"I know there are those in Israel who will not agree with this plan. And will call for the war to continue indefinitely. Some are even in the government coalition. They've made it clear. They want to occupy Gaza. They want to keep fighting for years and hostages are not a priority for them. Well, I've urged leadership in Israel to stand behind this deal, despite whatever pressure comes," Biden said.
Numerous Israeli media channels characterized Biden's speech on Friday as compelling, interpreting it as a direct appeal to the Israeli populace. Channel 12 even interrupted its regular evening news program to broadcast Biden's address live. According to anchor Danny Kushmaro, "Israel's" censor had previously prohibited the publication of the offer's specifics.
Well, Biden was right. Simultaneously, Netanyahu rushed to respond to Biden's plan, claiming that "the Israeli government is united in the desire to return our hostages as soon as possible and is working to achieve this goal," as per a statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
Ben-Gvir vows to dissolve government
Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also voiced his disapproval, emphasizing that Biden's plan would end the war without achieving its objective of dismantling Hamas.
Ben-Gvir disclosed that Netanyahu had told him he could review the draft of the deal but had not provided it yet. "Netanyahu's delay in presenting the draft indicates a bad agreement that will end the war without ending Hamas," he said.
The far-right Israeli minister further warned that the government would be dismantled if Netanyahu agreed to the deal without eliminating Hamas.
Ben-Gvir's remarks came shortly after Israeli media reported Netanyahu's comments that Biden's proposal was not accurate and that he would not agree to a ceasefire in Gaza without achieving the war's goals.
Biden laid out a new proposal that involves releasing Israeli captives held by the Palestinian Resistance in exchange for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The US President claimed that this is the most effective step toward de-escalating the ongoing war, adding, "With a ceasefire, that aid could be safely and effectively distributed to all who need it."
