The Israeli government must decide on the agreement to release hostages held in Gaza. The entry into force of the truce depends on this official validation, while certain ministers are already expressing their reluctance.
Government approval required
The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that the ceasefire and the exchange of hostages in Gaza will only begin after the approval of the Israeli cabinet, expected in the evening. The press release underlines: “Contrary to information disseminated by Arab media, the countdown of the seventy-two hours will only begin after the approval of the agreement by the government. »
The cabinet must meet at 6 p.m. local time (4 p.m. in Tunis) to officially validate the text. This step is crucial to allow the release of the hostages and the effective start of the humanitarian truce.
Divergences within the government
Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced on social network X that his party, the Religious Zionist Party, will not vote in favor of the deal.
Smotrich expressed his “tremendous joy” at the return of the hostages, but stressed the risks associated with the release of Palestinian prisoners, whom he calls future terrorist leaders. He declared:
“Immediately following the return of the abductees, the State of Israel must continue its efforts to completely eradicate Hamas and fully demilitarize Gaza, so that it no longer poses a threat to Israel. »
This position highlights the internal tensions surrounding the truce and the political difficulties Netanyahu will face in passing the agreement.
Conflicting information in the media
Several Hebrew media outlets initially reported that the truce would take effect upon the signing of the agreement in Egypt at noon, citing Egyptian sources and Reuters. This Israeli clarification aims to rectify the official timetable and avoid any confusion over the implementation of the plan.
