Israeli Broadcaster: Washington Pressing Israel to Begin Two-Week Truce in Gaza.
A Push for a Two-Week Halt to Attacks
Israel’s public broadcaster reported on Friday that the United States is pressing Israel to begin a two-week ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, aimed at launching implementation of the plan to disarm Hamas, amid opposition from ministers within the Israeli government to the move. Citing informed political sources, the broadcaster said Washington is pushing Israel to begin the two-week halt to start carrying out the disarmament plan for the movement. According to the broadcaster, the roadmap calls for a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza according to an agreed timetable, running in parallel with the implementation of disarmament arrangements, with Trump’s 20-point plan — which Israel has approved — likewise including a phased military withdrawal from the Strip.
Cabinet Ministers Push Back, Awaiting a New Vote
The sources said ministers in Israel’s smaller security cabinet, which handles political and security affairs, objected during a Thursday meeting to halting attacks on Gaza, arguing Israel should continue its military operations instead. They added that Israeli government secretary Yossi Fuchs informed ministers that Israel has not yet signed the agreement that would allow the multinational force into Gaza. The sources indicated the security cabinet is expected to hold a new meeting on Sunday to continue discussing the file. These developments reflect the continuing rifts inside the Israeli government over the roadmap put forward by the Board of Peace established under President Trump, with the disagreement playing out just as Washington pushes to formally launch the two-week pause meant to open the door to Gaza’s next phase.
