Israel, Hamas resolve differences that delayed ceasefire deal, Netanyahu says

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday ordered a meeting of Israel’s political security cabinet to approve the Gaza ceasefire deal after Israeli and Hamas negotiators resolved their remaining differences.

Mr. Netanyahu’s office said in a statement Friday that he had ordered the meeting to approve the deal later in the day.

Lawmakers “will meet later to approve the agreement,” the statement said, without specifying the day.

The security cabinet vote, expected on Thursday, was delayed by last-minute disputes with Hamas and divisions over the deal emerging within Mr. Netanyahu’s governing coalition.

The prime minister’s office said the hostages’ families had been informed of the deal and that it had instructed the government hostage authority to prepare to receive the captives upon their return to Israel.

“The State of Israel is committed to achieving all objectives of the war, including the return of all our hostages – living and dead,” the statement said.

An active member of Mr. Netanyahu’s governing coalition took a stand Thursday evening against a ceasefire agreement. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s Minister of National Security, threatened to resign and withdraw his party from the Israeli government if the cabinet voted in favor of the interim ceasefire agreement.

“This agreement would effectively erase the gains of the war,” Mr. Ben-Gvir said, adding that the ceasefire would leave Hamas in power in Gaza.

Although Mr. Ben-Gvir’s threat could destabilize Mr. Netanyahu’s coalition at a critical time, it is unlikely to derail the ceasefire deal, which would also free hostages held by the Hamas and Palestinian prisoners in Israel. Mr. Netanyahu would still have a majority of 62 seats in the 120 members of Parliament.

Opposition lawmakers have pledged to support Mr. Netanyahu’s efforts for a ceasefire if more hardline allies leave the coalition. “This is more important than all the differences of opinion that there have ever been between us,” declared Yaïr Lapid, the leader of the parliamentary opposition.

Mr Netanyahu’s announcement suggests a ceasefire could still come into effect by this weekend. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said Thursday that he was confident that the agreement would take effect as planned on Sunday.

President Biden and other mediators announced Wednesday that Israeli and Hamas negotiators in Qatar had reached an agreement to end the fighting and release hostages held in Gaza. Thursday’s difficulties highlighted the volatility of the truce and raised fears of further delays.

President-elect Donald J. Trump, who had been pressuring the parties to reach a deal before his inauguration Monday, reiterated his warning that he wanted the deal done before taking office in an interview on podcast Thursday. He told host Dan Bongino that he “better do it.” In December, weeks after his re-election, Mr. Trump said there would be “hell to pay” if a ceasefire and hostage deal were not reached.