Negotiations in Cairo cause more divergence between Israeli officials
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Israeli media reported that Bezalel Smotrich might resign from the Israeli government if negotiations go Hamas's way.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, speaks with Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich during the weekly cabinet meeting in "Tel Aviv", occupied Palestine, Sunday, January 7, 2024. (AP)
The Israeli war on Gaza has revealed further internal Israeli disputes, causing a division in stances regarding the course of the war among Israeli officials.
Israeli media reported predictions that the Israeli Minister of Finance and leader of the Religious Zionist Party, Bezalel Smotrich, would announce his withdrawal from the government if the captives' deal matched the conditions of the Palestinian Resistance.
It added that this will force Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to choose between either Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, who are pushing for a deal, or Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, and at least another year of a government meant to manage the war.
Israeli Police Minister and leader of the Jewish Power Party, Itamar Ben-Gvir said that if Netanyahu ends the war on Gaza without invading Rafah, he will lose all trust to continue his mandate as prime minister.
Hamas' stance is unwavering
A senior source within the Palestinian factions told Al Mayadeen today that no progress has been achieved in the ongoing negotiations taking place in the Egyptian capital Cairo on a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner exchange deal.
The source affirmed that the Resistance's delegation went to the negotiations in Cairo armed with the nationally agreed-upon Palestinian stance.
The source stressed that Palestinian demands are clear, and there will be no agreement or exchange deal without achieving them.
These include an immediate cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Gaza, the return of displaced persons, accommodation for the people of Gaza, and the reconstruction of the Strip.
The demands also include the opening of crossings for the entry of aid into Gaza, the lifting of the Israeli siege imposed on the Strip, and the completion of a genuine prisoner exchange deal.
According to the source, all attempts and efforts made by mediators to achieve an agreement and a prisoner exchange deal have been met with intransigence and obstruction by the Israeli occupation.
The source warned that Israeli media are resorting to lies and deception to deceive their society through disseminating fabricated news, adding that the official media sources of the Palestinian people will announce any new developments in the negotiations.
