As part of today’s live update on Day 641 of Israel-Hamas war, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir issued a strong call on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw the delegation in Doha and terminate ceasefire negotiations immediately. Speaking forcefully, Ben Gvir added:
“Those who kill our soldiers should not be given an inch to maneuver; instead they should be reduced to dust through starvation, not kept alive by humanitarian aid that provides oxygen” Abna24.com and I24news.tv both report this sentiment with full force.
His demands come amid intensifying conflict, such as an IED strike that killed five Israeli Defense Force soldiers and left 14 injured – with several IDF soldiers among the victims and 14 being treated at aljazeera.com for injuries suffered as a result.
Political Tensions in Jerusalem
Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich–both members of Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition–are increasing pressure on him to abandon negotiations altogether, prompting many Israelis to call for him to abandon them completely.
Smotrich called for the cessation of all humanitarian assistance to Gaza and warned against any territorial rollback. Abna24.com +14; Qudsnen.co =+14 and TimesofIsrael.com =14 can also be seen here (link). FT.com offered +3 as well. For those in Europe interested, RadioHCC.cu offers 3 more sources.
Ben Gvir made this call in a statement that was reported by Quds News Network, along with calling for an all-out military takeover and forced relocation of Palestinians residing there, according to Qudsnen.co +1 and abna24 +1.
At forthcoming cabinet meetings, it is anticipated that there will be fierce debate, with far-right ministers threatening to walk out if any ceasefire agreement is approved (timesofisrael.com +12, abna24.com +12 and abc.net.au both reporting this).
talks in Doha under U.S. mediation
In spite of domestic opposition, indirect ceasefire discussions are underway in Doha under mediation from Egypt, Qatar and the U.S. for what would amount to a 60-day truce agreement. Key provisions would include phased release of up to 28 Israeli hostages held captive since April 2009 as well as steps taken toward reconstruction and long-term peace talks, according to reports on both The Guardian and Financial Times websites (FT/TheGuardian respectively).
Israeli negotiators have approved of the original draft agreement while rejecting proposed amendments from Hamas as “unacceptable”, per Financial Times.
Netanyahu Meets Trump Amid Pressure
Prime Minister Netanyahu met yesterday at the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump for a meeting aimed at garnering American support for the ceasefire framework agreement.
Trump expressed confidence that an agreement could be finalized “next week,” while warning Hamas of potential consequences should they reject the truce (FT.com, 9/2/18).
Hardliners Vs Diplomacy Israel is divided along hardliner/diplomacy divide: hardliners want hard line measures while diplomats advocate more compromise-minded solutions (FT.com). Eventually these tensions have led to violence across Israel in response to hardliners trying to form coalition governments; their division exposes an internal struggle.
Ben Gvir: Advocates of siege and military conquest denounce humanitarian efforts as giving Gaza an oxygen supply; radiohc.cu +9, i24news.tv +9 and clickondetroit.com +9 are some of the websites where their arguments can be found.
Smotrich demands concrete control of any territory captured, opposing any return or concession of captured areas. (Qudsnen.co, ABC.net.au and ABC.net.au are his favorite websites)
These voices exert pressure on Netanyahu’s fragile coalition, threatening its collapse if he aligns himself with the ceasefire agreement.
What to Watch Today
Doha Talks: Will Hamas and Mediators Bridge The Gap?
Netanyahu must decide whether to recall his Qatar team in response to coalition pressures or not.
U.S. Engagement: Will Washington increase its diplomatic push in response to Israel halting talks?
Far-Right Reactions: Could Hardline Responses Halt or Rescind Any Agreement?
As events develop, this live blog will remain up-to-date with developments in Doha, Jerusalem and Washington.