Former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon on Saturday accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of stalling the second part of the ceasefire and hostages-prisoner change take care of Hamas to appease far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
The 42-day first part of the truce expired on March 2 following a number of prisoners-for-hostages exchanges.
The second part, which is supposed to barter a everlasting finish to the combating in Gaza, together with the return of all remaining captives and the entire withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory, is but to start.
In a press release, Ya’alon stated Netanyahu “is delaying the implementation of the second phase of the agreement with Hamas to prevent Smotrich from dismantling his coalition, which is essential to keeping Netanyahu in power.”
Ya’alon stated Smotrich prefers “resuming military operations in Gaza over proceeding with negotiations, even if it means abandoning Israeli captives.”
He warned that the finance minister is utilizing coalition threats to strain Netanyahu into rejecting additional negotiations with Hamas.
The former minister stated US officers have grown “frustrated” with Netanyahu’s stalling ways and have begun direct negotiations with Hamas.
“The Americans are now working on securing the release of hostages with US citizenship,” Ya’alon stated, suggesting Washington is bypassing Israeli management to advance the negotiations.
He referred to as for Netanyahu’s elimination, describing his authorities as “corrupt” and blaming it for prolonging the hostage disaster.
Source: www.anews.com.tr