Shouting and Table-Banging: Details of Netanyahu’s Cabinet Meeting on Gaza Deal

Reported by Kokcha News Agency

A report by Israel’s Channel 14 revealed details of a late-night cabinet meeting on Saturday, chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to discuss Hamas’ response to a new ceasefire proposal in Gaza.

The meeting, which lasted nearly five hours, was described as “stormy,” with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly shouting at each other at one point. Netanyahu reportedly banged on the table, demanding that Smotrich and Zamir change their personal approach and focus on a substantive discussion.

During the meeting, ministers voted in favor of establishing humanitarian aid zones that would separate Gaza’s population from Hamas, according to the source. However, far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir (National Security) and Smotrich voted against sending aid trucks to northern Gaza until these humanitarian zones are established, arguing that “aid falls into the hands of Hamas.”

Following the meeting, Netanyahu’s office stated that Hamas is seeking “unacceptable” changes to the ceasefire proposal.

In a statement early Sunday, Netanyahu’s office said, “The changes Hamas is seeking to make to the Qatari proposal, which were conveyed to us last night, are unacceptable to Israel.”

The Israeli Prime Minister also decided to send a delegation to Doha for indirect talks with Hamas, according to his office. The negotiating team is set to depart on Sunday, while Netanyahu will travel to Washington on the same day to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday.

The talks, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, focus on reaching a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages still held by Hamas (estimated at around 50, both alive and dead), and the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. During the ceasefire period, both sides will attempt to negotiate a permanent end to the war.

Efforts to secure a temporary ceasefire have stalled for months, but mediators recently presented a new proposal, which reportedly calls for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza for at least 60 days, the gradual release of Israeli hostages, and the return of the remains of deceased hostages.

In response, Hamas announced on Friday that it had delivered its “positive response” to the latest mediation proposal to Qatar and Egypt. A Hamas official told the German Press Agency (DPA) that further clarification is needed on the continuation of the ceasefire after the initial 60-day period, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and unrestricted access to humanitarian aid in the region.

According to Trump, Israel agreed to the “necessary conditions” for a ceasefire several days ago.