Two reports are stirring Israel this morning, potentially signaling the end of the current hostilities, but at the same time posing a potential trap for both Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In the media across the U.S., Europe, and Israel, there is talk of an imminent ceasefire in the coming hours. But is this really possible?
For Israel, it could be the risk of an enemy truce to prepare for an unprecedented surprise attack. For Netanyahu, the right-wing factions are already threatening to topple the government if withdrawals occur before the total destruction of the terrorist groups.
Report: Hamas Agreed that Fatah Will Administer Gaza and Crossings Civily—Without the Terrorist Organization
The Saudi TV channel “Al-Hadth” reported via a Hamas official that the terrorist organization has apparently reached agreements with Fatah regarding the civil administration of the Gaza Strip and its crossings. According to the report, it was agreed that Gaza and its crossings would not be under Hamas’ control, and a meeting with Fatah would take place next week—something Hamas had previously refused to accept. This loss of power signifies humiliation after Hamas nearly wiped out Fatah in Gaza.
It’s worth remembering that Fatah is also a terrorist faction, which has been formalized as the main Palestinian party governing the territories occupied by Arabs in Judea and Samaria since the time of Yasser Arafat.
Rumors of a Ceasefire Spark Adverse Reactions in Israel
Senior U.S. Officials: “A Northern Ceasefire Expected to Take Effect in the Coming Hours”
Senior U.S. officials have estimated that the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah will come into effect “in the coming hours,” according to Sky News. The officials made these remarks during a briefing, emphasizing that the agreement was reached through “extensive behind-the-scenes diplomacy.” One senior official added that “the ceasefire will last for 21 days along the blue line at the Israel-Lebanon border.”
Yair Lapid, Opposition Leader: Israel Should Accept the 7-Day Northern Ceasefire Proposal
Opposition leader Yair Lapid addressed the ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hezbollah, presented by the U.S. and France, stating that “the State of Israel should announce this morning that it accepts the Biden-Macron ceasefire proposal, but only for seven days to prevent Hezbollah from reestablishing its command and control systems. We will not accept any proposal that does not include the removal of Hezbollah from our northern border.”
Smotrich on the Northern Ceasefire: “The End of the Campaign—Only by Crushing Hezbollah”
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich harshly criticized reports of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, stating that “the northern campaign should only end with the crushing of Hezbollah and denying its ability to harm residents of the north. The enemy must not have time to recover from the severe blows it has received and reorganize for continued warfare after 21 days.” Gideon Sa’ar also criticized the possibility of a ceasefire, writing on the X network that “from such a temporary ceasefire as proposed—only Hezbollah will benefit.”
Minister Zohar on the Northern Ceasefire: “A Grave Mistake that Endangers Security Achievements”
Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar commented on reports of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, stating that “a ceasefire without any significant return from Hezbollah is a grave mistake that jeopardizes Israel’s key security achievements in recent days.” According to him, “I very much hope the reports are not true, and we must continue with all our strength until a clear decision is reached in the north.”
Source: YnetNews and IsraelHayom
