Dermer Warns Netanyahu: Trump May Limit ⁢Gaza War Duration

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer has voiced explicit concerns that a⁢ potential return to power for Donald Trump could led to the US setting time limits on Israel’s military operation in Gaza,a position that sparked a heated debate during a recent high-level security⁢ meeting. This marks the first time a senior Israeli official has publicly articulated such anxieties.

Concerns Over a partial Deal with Hamas

Dermer’s warning came during ⁣the opening session of a briefing attended by ‍Israeli officials, as they discussed potential hostage release deals with Hamas. He argued against pursuing ‍a partial agreement followed by a resumption of fighting, fearing the delay would⁢ be ⁢unacceptable to a future Trump governance.

“We don’t have time for that,” Dermer reportedly stated when asked what Israel should do⁤ if Hamas offered a ⁣limited deal. His core concern is that protracted conflict would eventually draw criticism – and possibly intervention – from the US, should Trump win the upcoming presidential election.

Clash with Hanegbi and Netanyahu

The Minister’s position‍ directly challenged that of National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, who recently accompanied Dermer on meetings in Washington. Hanegbi⁣ countered that trump⁤ is a staunch friend of Israel ‍and would not jeopardize its security interests. He passionately argued for prioritizing the safe return of hostages, stating, “Hostages ⁤must not lose‍ even a fingernail,” and advocating for accepting any ‍agreement to secure their⁢ release.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly questioned Dermer, asking if Israel should present the US with a demand for a comprehensive deal only. Dermer affirmed ‍this strategy,⁢ but his ⁤proposal was met with resistance. Ultimately, Netanyahu sided with Hanegbi and Shas party chairman MK Aryeh Deri, who also opposed dismissing a partial deal. Subsequently, other Likud ministers ⁣aligned themselves with the Prime Minister’s decision.

Warnings of Encouraging Future Hostage-Taking

the debate extended beyond the immediate hostage negotiations.Minister Eli Cohen supported Dermer’s stance, ⁣warning that Israel’s current approach to the hostage issue inadvertently incentivizes future kidnappings.

“the way we are handling the hostage issue is inviting future kidnappings,” Cohen stated. “We keep signaling to Hamas that we won’t break them.” This highlights a broader concern about the long-term strategic implications of negotiating with a terrorist organization like Hamas, and the⁣ potential for it to encourage further acts of violence.

The internal disagreement underscores the complex calculations Israel faces as it navigates ⁢the ongoing conflict in Gaza, balancing the urgent need to secure the release of hostages with broader strategic considerations and the evolving geopolitical ⁤landscape.