Israeli cabinet to discuss partial Gaza deal amid internal debate

The Israeli cabinet is set to hold a special session to review the future of its military operations in Gaza, Al Jazeera reports, citing Israel’s centre-right newspaper Israel Hayom.

According to the report, the meeting will include security officials, coalition bloc leaders, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. The discussion is expected to focus on a possible partial agreement that includes a temporary ceasefire.

Chief of Staff General Eyal Zamir is scheduled to brief the cabinet on the progress of current combat operations. While the Israeli military is likely to present the ground offensive as nearing completion, several government officials reportedly disagree, arguing that Hamas remains active and the stated war objectives have not been fulfilled.

The report highlights that the “Witkoff Plan,” named after US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, is currently under serious consideration. The plan proposes a temporary ceasefire and a captive-prisoner exchange but leaves the option open for resuming hostilities later. General Zamir is said to support this proposal, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to uphold his original goal of dismantling Hamas.

However, concerns remain within the cabinet that sustained pressure from the United States could transform a temporary agreement into a long-term arrangement, effectively altering the nature of Israel’s military objectives in Gaza.