The entire Israeli cabinet ratified the ceasefire agreement with Hamas

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Benjamin Netanyahu’s entire cabinet has endorsed a ceasefire in Gaza, the Israeli government announced early Saturday morning, paving the way for a ceasefire in the 15-month war with Hamas to take effect on Sunday. .

US-led mediators on Wednesday announced both sides had agreed to a multi-phase deal to stop 15 month war and freed 98 hostages still held by the Palestinian militant group.

However, Israel’s official approval was delayed because of disagreements with Hamas over the release of Palestinian prisoners and political tension within Netanyahu’s government.

The prime minister’s office said earlier on Friday that Netanyahu’s security cabinet had approved the deal, which then requires approval by a majority vote of all government ministers.

That internal group of ministers gave the green light “after considering all diplomatic, security and humanitarian aspects; and with the understanding that the proposed agreement will assist in achieving the objectives of the war,” it said.

The government then met on Friday night with the announcement of approval not due until about 1 a.m. local time, on Saturday. The hours-long meeting took place just before the Jewish Sabbath, when the Israeli government normally suspends all business activities.

Netanyahu’s office earlier said implementation of the deal and release of hostages would begin on Sunday if both the security cabinet and the government approved it.

While the Israeli government previously accused Hamas of withdrawing from the agreement, the prime minister’s office said on Thursday evening that Netanyahu had been “updated by the negotiating team that agreements had been reached on this issue.” hostage release agreement”.

Netanyahu is also trying to resolve an ongoing political crisis in the country, with far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announcing on Thursday night that he and his Jewish Power party would leave the ruling coalition if the “reckless” agreement is approved.

Ben-Gvir and his ultranationalist ally, finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, have repeatedly threatened to leave Netanyahu’s government if it accepts a deal to end the war.

The departure of Jewish Power would leave the coalition with a two-seat majority in the Israeli parliament. It will also put pressure on Smotrich’s Religious Zionist party to follow suit and withdraw, although the prospect appears to be growing that they will remain in power in government for the first six-week period of the agreement.

Ben-Gvir and Smotrich do not have enough support in the government to scuttle the deal, although if both pull their far-right parties out of the government, the coalition will lose its majority in parliament.

Israel’s political system does not bar minority governments and opposition parties have said they are ready to support Netanyahu’s coalition if needed, but the loss of two of his allies would shake the prime minister’s grip on power. general and could lead to early elections.