Israel’s security cabinet has approved the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal.
The 11 voting members of the security cabinet approved the deal with a simple majority vote.
A statement by the Israeli Prime Minister’s office said that the cabinet accepted the deal “after examining all political, security, and humanitarian aspects; and with the understanding that the proposed deal supports the achievement of the war’s goals.”
The cabinet also recommended that “the government approve the proposed outline.”
The full, 33-member Israeli cabinet still needs to approve the agreement and will convene for a vote on the deal later in the day.
Earlier, in a post on X, Israeli Culture Minister, Miki Zohar stated that he will vote “with a heavy heart … to bring our brothers and sisters home.”
He noted that the decision was not easy, adding that he understands the concerns of colleagues who oppose the deal.
“After studying the details of the agreement, I became convinced that Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump upheld the fundamental principles critical to Israel’s security, and much remains hidden from view.”
“Anyone who thinks this deal marks the end and that the final word has been spoken is mistaken. As the prime minister said, the government of Israel is committed to achieving the war’s objectives, including the dismantling of Hamas’s regime – no matter how long it takes.”
Miki Zohar
Israeli President, Isaac Herzog applauded the Israeli security cabinet’s approval of a ceasefire and hostage agreement, repeating his call to “bring all of our hostages back home.”
“I harbor no illusions — the deal will bring with it great challenges and painful, agonizing moments that we will need to overcome and face together.
“With all my heart, I embrace the families of the hostages, especially those who know that their loved ones will not return in the first stage. We must bring everyone back. Everyone! We will not rest or relent until this happens.”
Isaac Herzog
Ben Gvir Calls On Allies To Stop Ceasefire Deal
However, Israel’s Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, has called on allies to “stop this deal” after the country’s security cabinet approved the Gaza ceasefire-hostage agreement on Friday.
According to a statement released by his spokesperson, Ben Gvir, a member of the far-right Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party, said that he had been “horrified” by a previous iteration of the deal.
The lawmaker has previously threatened to resign over the deal.
The Minister added that he was “anxious” by the prospect of Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners from the Israeli-occupied West Bank, as part of the terms of the agreement.
“Today when more and more details are revealed, when we find out that terrorists who serve a life sentence are being released to Jerusalem, terrorists who serve a life sentence are being released to Judea and Samaria (the Israeli-occupied West Bank), when everyone knows that these terrorists will return to try to harm, will return to try to kill, I am much more anxious.”
Itamar Ben Gvir
He called on members of the Likud and Religious Zionist parties to “stop this deal.” “We can stop this deal, join me, we can stop it,” Ben-Gvir added.
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