Lieberman: A long term ceasefire is effectively a Hamas victory
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The Knesset member says a long-term ceasefire without achieving the set goals of the war would be effectively a victory for Hamas.
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former Israeli Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman speaks to journalists at the weekly cabinet meeting, in Jerusalem, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022. (AP)
Knesset member and leader of the "Yisrael Beiteinu" Avigdor Lieberman, stressed that "the Israeli government must not, under any circumstances, agree to a long-term ceasefire with Hamas without achieving the goals of the war."
Lieberman detailed the goals as follows:
- the release of all Israeli captives,
- the elimination of Hamas and its leaders,
- the complete destruction of all infrastructure within the Gaza Strip,
- pushing Hezbollah beyond the Litani River
He underlined that a long-term ceasefire without achieving the set goals of the war would be effectively a victory for Hamas and the continued rule of Hamas head in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, which would seriously damage Israeli deterrence.
"If a long ceasefire is agreed upon, no one in the south or north will return home, Lieberman warned, adding, "we must be decisive."
Read more: 80% of Gaza remains untouched by IOF: Hamas politburo member
An op-ed written for The New York Times on Tuesday explained that the extension of the truce from four days to six is causing doubt over whether the Israeli occupation would resume its aggression on Gaza or if it would stop its onslaught dead in its tracks.
The extension of the ceasefire has also prompted expectations that both the Israeli occupation and the Palestinian Resistance may consider further short-term renewals.
As the duration of the ceasefire grows, external pressure on "Israel" to make it permanent intensifies, while internal pressures urge for its conclusion.
Read more: Al-Qassam responded to IOF violation, committed to truce: Abu Obeida
