HALF OF ISRAELI POLITICAL-SECURITY CABINET OPPOSES CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT

Gaza, 3 Dzulqa’dah 1435/29 August 2014 (MINA) – According to Israeli National Radio, Avigdor Lieberman (Foreign Minister), Naftali Bennett (Industry, Trade and Labor Minister), Gilad Erdan (Home Front Defense Minister) and Yitzhak Aharonovich (Internal Security Minister) oppose the Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire agreement.

The PNN reports that Naftali Bennett has requested that PM Benjamin Netanyahu hold a cabinet session, in order to discuss the truce agreement, International Middle East Media Agency (IMEMC) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Netanyahu reportedly refused to do so, as he had already obtained the approval of Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein to make the decision for accepting the ceasefire agreement without previously consulting the Israeli Political-Security Cabinet.

Justice Minister Tzipi Livni also criticized the agreement, saying: “It must include the basis for the disarmament of the Strip, to prevent the entry of arms and the growth of the Palestinian resistance. There should be an effective monitoring mechanism.”

Furthermore, several mayors and regional councils of areas near Gaza also expressed dissent over the agreement, stating that they fear more attacks over the coming months. (T/P02/P3)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)