Tensions grow between Netanyahu, Shin Bet, army over Gaza deal
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A dispute between Netanyahu, Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar, and the Israeli army over Gaza’s ceasefire agreement has escalated into heated exchanges.
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Israeli protesters stuck a sticker with the face of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a road and poured red liquid, symbolizing blood, over it, in occupied al-Quds, Feb. 17, 2025 (AP)
A growing dispute between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar, and the Israeli army's officer in charge of he captives file escalated into a heated exchange of insults during a government meeting, Israeli Channel 13 reported.
The debacle arises amid the ongoing crisis over the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Kan revealed that Netanyahu believes the ceasefire should continue "at least until the arrival of American envoy Steve Witkoff to the Middle East."
Originally scheduled for this week, Witkoff’s visit was delayed, with reports suggesting he may arrive next week. Sources close to Netanyahu explained that he is waiting to see if the ceasefire can succeed and what Witkoff might achieve with the mediators.
However, Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar criticized the situation, stating, "We are misleading the public into believing we can end the war and then resume it because Trump will give us a green light."
Meanwhile, settlers held a protest outside Netanyahu’s residence in occupied al-Quds, demanding action on the second phase of the agreement, resulting in clashes with police, according to Israeli media.
In parallel, Egypt reiterated its commitment to intensifying efforts to begin negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Ati emphasized, "There is no alternative but to fully and honestly adhere to all the terms of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement."
Hamas: Netanyahu halting aid 'blatant violation' of ceasefire deal
Hamas affirmed on Sunday that "Netanyahu's decision to halt humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip is a cheap act of blackmail, a war crime, and a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement and prisoner exchange."
The movement called on mediators and the international community to pressure the occupation government to stop its "punitive and unethical measures against more than 2 million people," adding that "Netanyahu's statement regarding the extension of the first phase is a blatant attempt to evade the agreement and avoid entering negotiations for the second phase."
Earlier on Sunday, "Israel" announced the halting of all humanitarian aid to Gaza and the closing of passages "until further notice," emphasizing that "Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of all hostages, and if Hamas continues to refuse, there will be further consequences."
Hamas emphasized the importance of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement; however, "Israel" announced that it accepted an American proposal to extend the current phase of the ceasefire until mid-April, as negotiations for the second phase failed to produce results.
'Israel' obstructs second phase of ceasefire agreement
Hamas had reiterated on February 28 its unwavering commitment to fully implementing the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in all its stages and details as the first phase of the deal comes to a close.
It called on the international community to pressure the occupation to fully adhere to the terms of the agreement and immediately start implementing the second phase of the ceasefire, as the Israeli delegation to Cairo attempted to extend the first phase of the ceasefire deal for 42 days.
A senior Palestinian resistance official informed al Mayadeen on March 1 that the negotiations in Cairo failed to lead to the implementation of the second phase of the agreement, with the Israeli regime to blame for the obstruction.
He said the occupation is violating the ceasefire deal by delaying the second-phase negotiations, as Israeli leaders push towards an extension of the first phase, affirming that "the Israeli side is attempting to use blackmail tactics, but we reject any deal that is not part of a full-package agreement."
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the preservation of the ceasefire in Gaza, warning that the "coming days are critical," stressing that the Israeli military must not maintain a long-term presence in Gaza and emphasizing that the enclave should remain part of an independent, democratic, and sovereign Palestinian state.
