Netanyahu Invites Ben Gvir and Smotrich for Urgent Meeting

SadaNews - Israeli Channel 12 reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to an urgent meeting to discuss the situation following Hamas's response to U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for a prisoner exchange and ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. For their part, families of Israeli hostages expressed concerns that Ben Gvir and Smotrich would attempt to obstruct negotiations. In this regard, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid stated on Saturday evening that these ministers would not be able to sabotage Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza. Lapid added in a post on X platform: "In less than two hours, when Saturday (the weekly religious holiday for Jews) ends, and you hear many threats from Smotrich and Ben Gvir, remember that they have nothing to threaten with. We will not allow them to undermine the deal." He pointed out that an overwhelming majority in the Knesset and a significant majority of the Israeli people support Trump's deal, adding that this is what the majority wants now. For his part, former War Council member Gadi Eizenkot stated, "This is the last opportunity to bring back the hostages, even if it requires making difficult decisions." In the same context, ABC News reported from two insiders that Netanyahu is scheduled to discuss several issues during a security meeting tonight, including the list of Palestinian prisoners and options for military withdrawal maps from Gaza. It also quoted a senior Israeli official as stating that halting military operations in Gaza aims to allow for organizing the release of prisoners, and that it is not an official ceasefire or the beginning of a withdrawal but a tactical adjustment for the purpose of protecting its forces, according to what the official relayed. Last night, Hamas announced in a statement that it had submitted its response to Trump's Gaza plan to the mediators, declaring its agreement to release all living and deceased Israeli prisoners under this plan. Hamas also reiterated its agreement to hand over the administration of the sector to a Palestinian authority of independents (technocrats) based on Palestinian national consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic backing. However, it emphasized that the future of the Gaza Strip and the rights of the people are discussed within a Palestinian framework. In his commentary on Hamas's response, President Trump stated in a post on his Truth Social account, "Based on the statement issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for lasting peace." Trump added that "Israel must immediately stop bombing Gaza so we can safely and quickly extract the hostages (Israeli prisoners). Right now, it is extremely dangerous to do so." However, his tone changed slightly today when he stated, "Hamas needs to act quickly, or all options will be on the table," emphasizing that he would not tolerate any delays from Hamas, despite Israeli bombing on the Gaza Strip not stopping for a moment and increasing in intensity following his comments yesterday. Concerning this matter, Trump also stated today that he appreciates Israel temporarily stopping the bombing "to give an opportunity to complete the hostage release process and a peace agreement" and added that he would treat everyone fairly and would not allow "any delays or any situation where Gaza poses a threat again." Netanyahu announced during a press conference with the U.S. president last Monday that he supports Trump's plan, considering it "achieves the Israeli objectives of the war." Since October 7, 2023, Israel, with U.S. support, has been committing genocide in Gaza, resulting in 67,074 martyrs and 169,430 injured, most of whom are children and women, and a famine that has claimed the lives of 459 Palestinians, including 154 children.