Netanyahu seeks security cabinet to bypass full one on ceasefire vote

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: CNN
Today 19:59
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Israeli occupation Prime Minister Netanyahu is exploring the possibility of bringing a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah to the smaller security cabinet, avoiding a full cabinet vote.

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Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enters the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Sept. 27, 2024. (AP)

Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering bringing the vote on "a potential ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon" before the occupation's security cabinet rather than the full cabinet, a source familiar with the matter told CNN on Tuesday. Netanyahu has been reportedly reviewing the legality of this move claimed CNN.

Israeli occupation officials have indicated that this approach is legally feasible, as the debated ceasefire is "considered a security question and not a political one."

Normally, CNN asserted, such decisions are voted on by the full cabinet, however, Netanyahu prefers to have the vote take place within the smaller security cabinet, which consists of 11 ministers, including far-right figures like occupation Police Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

In contrast, bringing the issue before the full cabinet would involve 33 ministers having a say in the matter. Netanyahu's spokesperson stated that the Israeli occupation cabinet is expected to approve the ceasefire deal later on Tuesday.

Supporters of Netanyahu’s plan argue that the "move is that this is a security deal, a temporary deal for a ceasefire, rather than a political deal such as a permanent peace agreement, border agreement or normalization."

Netanyahu torn between officials, settlers amid possible ceasefire

Earlier, Israel Hayom reported that Netanyahu expressed to his close associates deep frustration with the coalition's criticism of the possible ceasefire agreement in the north.

The newspaper reported that Netanyahu is frustrated by the criticism the agreement is receiving, both in the right-inclined public opinion, as well as within Likud circles and among his voters.

Israel Hayom learned that Netanyahu "intends to begin talks with the opposition," where he "is expected to speak with Minister Amichai Chikli, who issued a statement criticizing the agreement."

The newspaper also noted that Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the settlement, stating on Army Radio that he would vote against it in the cabinet. However, unlike his earlier statements regarding a potential agreement in Gaza, he did not threaten to resign from the government.

Similarly, former Security Minister and leader of the Israeli State Camp party, Benny Gantz, opposed the agreement, arguing that "the Lebanese government is giving Hezbollah a free hand," which could lead to attacks on Lebanese state assets.

A political source explained yesterday that the US forces to be stationed in Lebanon in the coming days will be there to supervise, not to implement, similar to the role of the UNIFIL forces. This deployment will occur after the Israeli army withdraws and the Lebanese army takes position in the country's south.

The source added that the US forces are expected to leave once this transition is complete.

This comes amid media reports suggesting a possible ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, with officials in Beirut expressing caution. Meanwhile, criticism continues within "Israel" regarding the potential deal, with heads of settlements and northern regional councils calling it a "surrender agreement" on "Israel's" part.

Israel Hayom reported on a private discussion held on Sunday evening at Netanyahu's office, attended by security officials and ministers Israel Katz, Gideon Sa'ar, Ron Dermer, Bezalel Smotrich, and Itamar Ben-Gvir. During the meeting, the final details of the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon were agreed upon, with officials noting that "Israel has decided to move forward toward reaching an agreement in the near future."

The newspaper also highlighted that the potential agreement requires not only the approval of the Israeli government and cabinet but must also be submitted to the Knesset for a vote in accordance with the demand of the leftist coalition during the mediated maritime agreement with Lebanon.

The newspaper quoted a political official as saying, "It is a matter of days, or perhaps even less, before the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon is signed." The official also noted that significant progress has been made and that an unofficial agreement already exists between "Israel" and Lebanon.