Israeli PM Netanyahu, Cabinet Ministers Clash Over Fresh Ceasefire Proposal

Friday May 30, 2025|

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday, May 29, that he accepted US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff’s outline for a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange.

“Israel accepts the new Witkoff outline,” Netanyahu said during a meeting with families of Israeli hostages in Gaza as cited by a statement released by his office.

However, his cabinet ministers have earlier expressed strong opposition to Witkoff’s proposal for a Gaza ceasefire to end Israel’s brutal onslaught on the Palestinian enclave.

On Wednesday, Witkoff said negotiators are close to reaching a deal that could end Israel’s war on Gaza.

“I have some very good feelings about getting to a long-term resolution, temporary ceasefire, and a long-term resolution, a peaceful resolution of that conflict,” he told reporters at the White House.

Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich immediately declared his opposition to the ceasefire proposal, claiming it would be “a lifeline to Hamas.”

“We are not leaving areas we’ve conquered,” the hardline minister said.

Settlement Minister Orit Strock called on Netanyahu to continue the war on Gaza, saying that Israel must not “fold” now.

Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli rejected the American ceasefire proposal, describing the plan as “salami tactics.”

The hardline minister urged Netanyahu to let the army continue its mission of taking over Gaza and compel Hamas to surrender.

Extremist National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir echoed a similar opposition.