Smotrich issues ultimatum to Netanyahu over ceasefire with Gaza
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Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Netanyahu, demanding the destruction of Hamas and structural changes within the Israeli regime as conditions for his continued participation.
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"Israel's" Finance Minister and leader of the Religious Zionist Party Bezalel Smotrich on March 20, 2023. (AFP)
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Wednesday has delivered a list of demands to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, setting conditions for his continued participation in the Israeli leadership in light of the regime's approval of a ceasefire agreement with Gaza.
According to "Israel's" Channel 7, the document submitted by Smotrich calls for a "clear commitment to completing the strategic goal of toppling Hamas' rule in Gaza" and a "resumption of full-scale military operations at the end of the 42-day truce period, should Hamas' rule persist." The document also asks for "increased military force in the next phase of the fighting, utilizing additional means, and significantly reducing humanitarian aid to Gaza."
Smotrich's demands go further, including calls for "permanent control over strategic areas in the Gaza Strip" and "advancing measures to encourage migration from Gaza."
Structural changes within "Israel's" security and military institutions were also proposed, with Smotrich demanding the replacement of the Chief of Staff and military commanders, as well as the "realignment of operational plans to sustain the fighting."
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In private discussions with Netanyahu, Smotrich reportedly stated, "I have never supported the release of Palestinian prisoners," but added that he is "willing to stay in the government, provided Hamas is destroyed. Israel will pay the price if this does not happen."
Channel 7 further noted that Smotrich has made it clear he feels compelled to leave the leadership due to the terms of the ceasefire agreement as currently outlined, saying he "must withdraw from the government due to the terms of the ceasefire deal as it stands."
Deal Reached After Lengthy Delays
The deal comes after protracted violence that has devastated Gaza and intensified the humanitarian crisis. Negotiations faced numerous delays due to unresolved issues between the parties.
According to Palestinian sources familiar with the talks, one of the main sticking points was the lack of clarity from "Israel" regarding the mechanism for the release of captives and the evacuation of injured individuals for medical treatment.
Additionally, the Israeli side did not provide a clear map outlining the withdrawal of its forces from Gaza or the management of key points like the Rafah crossing and the entry of humanitarian aid trucks. These unresolved details disrupted the progress of the agreement, prolonging the suffering of civilians in the region.
Despite these challenges, Arab, American, and Israeli officials confirmed earlier this week that the draft agreement was nearing completion.
Key Terms of the Ceasefire Agreement
Details of the agreement obtained by Al Mayadeen reveal an eleven-clause framework aimed at addressing both immediate humanitarian concerns and longer-term conflict resolution. Key provisions include:
- Israeli Withdrawal: Israeli forces are to fully withdraw from all areas of the Gaza Strip, returning to pre-war borders, including al-Rashid Street and the Netzarim corridor.
- Humanitarian Access: The Rafah crossing will be reopened under international protocols, with "Israel" permitting the daily entry of 600 aid trucks. Provisions include medical supplies, 200,000 tents, and 60,000 caravans for shelter.
- Injured Evacuation: "Israel" is required to facilitate the evacuation of injured Palestinians for treatment abroad.
- Prisoner Exchange: The agreement includes the release of 1,000 Palestinian detainees, as well as all women and children under 19 held in Israeli prisons. The deal excludes Hamas fighters involved in Operation al-Aqsa Flood.
- Airspace and Hospitals: Hostile aircraft must vacate Gaza's airspace for up to 10 hours daily, and all hospitals in Gaza are to be rehabilitated, with field hospitals and medical teams allowed entry.
Implementation Phases
The ceasefire is structured in phases, starting with a six-week period during which 33 Israeli captives, including "children, women, female soldiers, men above 50, and the wounded and sick," will be released in exchange for 1,000 Palestinian detainees. This phase also enables displaced persons from southern Gaza to return to northern areas as Israeli forces gradually withdraw.
Subsequent stages will address the release of the remaining 66 captives held by Palestinian factions, contingent on the success of the initial phase. According to reports, the release of 33 hostages, including five female soldiers, will involve significant concessions, with each soldier exchanged for 50 Palestinian prisoners.
