Impending Closure of Hamas-Israel War – preparing for the next War?

 

The Israeli Security Cabinet has commenced its meeting (today Friday 17^th January) at which it would decide to either ratify or reject the Ceasefire agreement with Hamas. PM Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier announced that the planned release of hostages from the Gaza Strip could commence on Sunday, even if the Security Cabinet had not concluded its meeting.  Meaning that the approval is already assumed to be a foregone conclusion.

In the meantime, the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Vcir, of the Otzma Yehudit Party has released a statement, indicating he and colleagues will be resigning from government if the “deal” is approved.  It’s pretty clear that were it not for the incoming Trump presidency, a deal would still be a long-way off.  The question is whether Israel is throwing away all the gains of 15 months of gruesome war to save a hundred or so hostages only to prepare the ground for the future killing and abduction of thousands others?

Most likely, that wouldn’t happen in a Trump presidency.  But that presidency has a lifespan. Quite thought-provoking situation in Israel at the moment!  The Statement by Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, posted on X follows below:

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“If the ‘deal’ passes, we will leave the government with a heavy heart, and I will leave a ministry where I have invested all my energy over the past two years. I will step down with a heavy heart after establishing the growing National Guard, implementing a weapons reform, reforming the prison system, founding a special unit to combat incitement, restoring pride to police officers, prison and fire fighters, strengthening the Border Police, Special Patrol Unit (Yasam), and the Counter-Terrorism Unit (Yamas). I fought for fair salaries and gave them the support they deserve, and I was in the midst of strengthening and expanding municipal police stations to provide optimal service to citizens.

 I love Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and will ensure he continues to be Prime Minister, but I will resign because the deal that was signed is disastrous. It releases hundreds of terrorists with blood on their hands who, upon release, will seek to murder the next Jew. It allows thousands of terrorists to return to the northern Gaza Strip with weapons—with the sole intent of killing Jews. It harms Israel’s defensive capabilities along the Philadelphi Corridor and other critical points, and it reverses all the war’s successes that cost us so much blood.

 During my two years in the government, I also dealt with things I liked less and that didn’t align with my views. That’s the nature of coalition partnerships—sometimes you have to swallow quite a few frogs. But when such a terrible deal arises, one that abandons the security of Israel’s citizens and crosses every red line the government set for itself, even though the easiest path would be to stay in the government and continue the massive reforms in the ministry, it must not continue. This is a moment of truth for every politician: Does a person give up all their beliefs for the sake of their position, or give up their position for the sake of their beliefs? My beliefs have been shaped by attending far too many funerals. I will not lend my hand to a reckless deal.

 I am filled with pride for the ministers and Knesset members of the party who demonstrated strength and integrity, agreeing to give up everything because they refuse to be partners in this agreement. Minister Waserlauf and Minister Eliyahu are both giving up ministries where they have done remarkable work—I was always proud of the praise they received. MK Fogel is relinquishing a committee where he performed wonders, providing support to the security and rescue forces and turning it into the most productive committee in the Knesset—a real legislative powerhouse. Likewise, the talented MK Kroizer is giving up his influence in the Judicial Appointments Committee, and MK Limor Son Har-Melech, the soul of Otzma Yehudit, is also giving up an important role. They stood bravely, voiced their opinions, and voted one after another in favor of resignation.

 The hostages are close to my heart and to the hearts of all party members. We want to see them freed and reunited with their families, but not through surrender to Hamas. Instead, we must stop the transfer of fuel and humanitarian aid to Gaza until all the hostages are returned home.

 If the war resumes and we know that the Israeli government is acting to defend its citizens and not leaving a massive terror hub in Gaza, we will return to the government. We are not toppling this government and will support it from the outside, but we will not be partners to a defeatist agreement.

 We will vote against the deal in the government, and if it passes, we will submit our resignation.

 The ‘Otzma Yehudit’ party will continue to be here for you in everything you need.”