The Israeli cabinet is expected to meet today to approve a ceasefire and prisoner swap agreement in Gaza. Palestinian sources indicate that the agreement could be signed on or before Friday, 17 January.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is working to ensure the government remains stable, as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich opposes the deal, according to official Israeli state television KAN.
“If things move quickly, it is likely that the cabinet will meet this afternoon, followed by a government meeting where the deal will be approved,” Israeli officials told KAN.
Israeli Channel 12 television, citing Israeli sources, reported that the details of the prisoner release deal have been agreed upon, and a final response from Hamas is awaited. The news also highlighted that most government members support the agreement.
Reports noted that 18 ministers from the Likud party, led by Netanyahu, six from the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Shas Party, two from the United Torah Judaism party led by Moshe Gafni, and two from the National Right party support the agreement.
On the other hand, three ministers from the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party, led by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and three ministers from the Religious Zionism party, led by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, oppose the agreement.
KAN reported that Netanyahu met with Smotrich the previous day in an attempt to persuade him to support the deal.
