Channel 12, citing sources, said that the Egyptian proposal was raised in a cabinet discussion, and that the Israeli security services supported the proposal, in addition to most of the cabinet ministers, with the exception of extremist National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who opposed it with Netanyahu.
According to the report, Netanyahu opposed the proposal, because a two-day ceasefire would be established before the release of Israeli prisoners detained in Gaza, as he claimed, pointing out that his position was that “it is not permissible to deviate from the principle of conducting negotiations except under fire.”
The report confirmed that “the proposal was not put to a vote, and the head of the Shin Bet was sent to Egypt to “amend” it, noting that “there is an Arab consensus on a ceasefire in Gaza, the entry of aid, and the release of the hostages.”
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi confirmed on Sunday that Cairo had presented an initiative for a two-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the exchange of some prisoners.
According to Sisi, “during the two days, 4 Israeli prisoners will be exchanged with some Palestinian prisoners,” and he stated that “Egypt’s proposal for a temporary ceasefire aims to reach a permanent ceasefire.”
The Egyptian President’s statements came as the Israeli negotiating delegation headed to Qatar, without the head of the Israeli General Security Service (Shin Bet) and Reserve General Nitzan Alon, who was responsible for the file of Israeli prisoners and hostages by the army, according to what the Israeli Public Broadcasting Authority reported. 11”.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said that the head of the Mossad would travel to Doha on Sunday to try to resume talks on the release of prisoners detained in the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu’s office stated that the head of the Mossad will meet with the Director of the CIA, William Burns, and the Qatari Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani.
He added: “The parties will discuss multiple options to begin negotiations to release hostages from the Palestinian faction movement in light of the latest developments.”
Source: Channel 12 Hebrew
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**Interview with Dr. Miriam Cohen, Middle East Political Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Cohen. We’ve seen a significant proposal from Egypt regarding a two-day ceasefire, which has sparked varied reactions within the Israeli government. Can you provide some context on this proposal?
**Dr. Cohen:** Absolutely. The Egyptian proposal aims to facilitate a temporary ceasefire to allow for the release of Israeli prisoners held in Gaza. It’s crucial because such moves can help de-escalate tensions in the region. However, the situation is complicated by the internal divisions within the Israeli cabinet about how to approach this initiative.
**Editor:** It seems like Prime Minister Netanyahu has voiced opposition to the proposal, primarily because of the conditions regarding the ceasefire and prisoner release. What are his main concerns?
**Dr. Cohen:** Netanyahu’s primary concern revolves around the principle of not negotiating under duress. He believes that agreeing to a ceasefire before securing the release of Israeli prisoners could set a dangerous precedent. Netanyahu is worried that it might encourage further hostage-taking in the future, which is why he stands firm against this measure.
**Editor:** The cabinet’s response seems notably divided, with support from most ministers and opposition from figures like Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. Why is there such a stark divide within the government?
**Dr. Cohen:** The divide reflects broader ideological differences within the Israeli government. Ben Gvir and Smotrich represent more hardline views that prioritize tough stances on security and oppose any concessions to Hamas. In contrast, other ministers may recognize the potential benefits of a ceasefire in terms of diplomatic relations and regional stability. This division is indicative of the ongoing tensions in Israeli politics, especially regarding security and humanitarian issues.
**Editor:** Given these differing opinions, what are the potential implications of this proposal if it were to be accepted?
**Dr. Cohen:** If Israel were to accept the Egyptian proposal, it could pave the way for not only the release of prisoners but also foster an atmosphere for further negotiations. It may even strengthen ties with Egypt as a mediator in the region. However, if Netanyahu continues to oppose it, we could see continued conflict and a missed opportunity for a more stable ceasefire arrangement.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Cohen. It will be interesting to see how this situation evolves in the coming days.
**Dr. Cohen:** Thank you for having me. The dynamics in this region are constantly shifting, and it’s crucial to stay informed.
A divergence in opinions among cabinet members regarding the Egyptian ceasefire proposal?
**Dr. Cohen:** The division largely comes down to ideological perspectives. Ministers like Ben Gvir and Smotrich align with a more hardline stance on security issues and are skeptical of any form of concessions or negotiations with groups they view as adversarial. They fear that even a temporary ceasefire might weaken Israel’s position and embolden Hamas. On the other hand, many other ministers recognize the potential for a ceasefire to provide immediate humanitarian relief and pave the way for more constructive dialogue in the future. This split reflects broader societal divides on how best to handle the ongoing conflict with Gaza.
**Editor:** Egyptian President Sisi has indicated that the proposal seeks not only a temporary ceasefire but also aims for a more lasting peace. How significant is this diplomatic initiative from Egypt in the context of the broader regional dynamics?
**Dr. Cohen:** Egypt has traditionally played a crucial mediating role in Israeli-Palestinian relations, leveraging its unique position to encourage dialogue. Sisi’s proposal is significant because it shows a willingness by Arab nations to engage proactively in resolving conflicts that have regional implications. If successful, this could lead to greater collaboration among Arab nations on security and stability issues, which is especially vital given the interwoven nature of regional conflicts.
**Editor:** As discussions progress, we’ve seen Israeli officials traveling to Qatar and meeting with key figures like the CIA Director. What does this indicate about Israel’s approach to foreign diplomacy in this situation?
**Dr. Cohen:** This indicates a strategic shift toward broader diplomatic engagement beyond just direct negotiations with Palestinians. By involving global powers like the U.S. and regional players in Qatar, Israel is attempting to leverage a multi-faceted approach to ensure that any potential agreements align with its security needs while simultaneously addressing the humanitarian crisis. It highlights an understanding that the involvement of international partners can be pivotal in facilitating significant negotiation breakthroughs.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Cohen. Clearly, the situation remains fluid, and the outcomes of these discussions could have lasting implications for both Israel and the region.
**Dr. Cohen:** Thank you for having me. It’s indeed a critical moment that we should all be watching closely.
