Article 431170

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Minister Orit Strock have written to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling for an immediate Security Cabinet meeting and suspension of the International Stabilization Force's entry into Gaza.

The ministers seek a Cabinet decision to halt implementation of a "roadmap" Published by the Peace Council, demanding the international framework be revised to align with Israel's stated war objectives and prior commitments.

The letter argues that the published roadmap differs substantially from what was presented during Security Cabinet discussions. The ministers contend that Cabinet decisions were made based on information that does not match the roadmap's actual wording, making a new discussion necessary to prevent what they describe as "a dangerous security situation" In Gaza.

Smotrich and Strock claim the roadmap fails to guarantee complete demilitarization of Gaza, as weapons would be transferred to a new Palestinian body rather than destroyed or removed. They argue the framework permits gradual IDF withdrawal before demilitarization is complete, contrary to the principle that withdrawal should occur only after terrorist capabilities are fully dismantled.

The ministers also object to provisions allowing Palestinian Authority law in Gaza and to what they characterize as a change in the International Stabilization Force's mission. According to them, the force would function as a buffer between the IDF and a new Palestinian governing body rather than operating against terrorist organizations.

They warn against an international verification committee they claim was never presented to the Security Cabinet and could operate against Israel's security interests. The roadmap also does not make Gaza's reconstruction contingent on demilitarization completion, lacks adequate oversight of construction materials, and presents Palestinian statehood as a political objective, the ministers argue.

Smotrich and Strock are demanding Israel reject the roadmap as written, immediately convene the Security Cabinet, and block the International Stabilization Force from entering Gaza until the framework is amended.