Israeli Cabinet reportedly set to approve Gaza cease-fire and prisoner swap deal Tuesday

Israel’s Security Cabinet is expected to convene Tuesday to approve a cease-fire agreement in Gaza and a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas, according to a report by the Israeli Public Broadcasting Authority Kan on Monday.

The report said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is working to secure support from his coalition, particularly ensuring that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich does not withdraw support over his opposition to the deal. Despite objections from Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the risk of a government collapse is reportedly “very low,” with Netanyahu holding “a clear majority” within the coalition to push the agreement forward.

Kan suggested the Security Cabinet could meet Tuesday afternoon, followed by a full government meeting to finalize the deal if developments proceed swiftly.

Meanwhile, Israeli Channel 12 reported that a “broad majority” of the government backs the deal, with Netanyahu’s Likud Party, along with the Shas, United Torah Judaism, and National Unity Parties, in favor. However, opposition comes from Smotrich’s Religious Zionism Party and Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit Party.

While Smotrich’s party opposes the deal, they have not threatened to resign from the coalition. Similarly, Ben-Gvir, despite labeling the deal a “disaster,” has not reiterated threats to leave the government, as reported by Yedioth Ahronoth daily.

Deal details finalized, awaiting Hamas’ response

Channel 12 also claimed the details of the agreement have been finalized, with Hamas’ response still awaited. As of yet, there has been no official comment from Hamas.

Israel currently holds over 10,300 Palestinian prisoners, while around 99 Israelis are estimated to be held in Gaza. Hamas has claimed that many Israeli captives have been killed in Israeli airstrikes.

The prisoner swap and cease-fire negotiations, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., have faced several delays due to conditions imposed by Netanyahu.

Israeli opposition groups accuse Netanyahu

Critics, including Israeli opposition members and families of captives, accuse Netanyahu of hindering efforts to reach an agreement with Hamas.

Despite a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire, Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in nearly 46,600 casualties, mostly women and children, since October 7, 2023.

Additionally, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.