2 min(s) ago
Netanyahu war cabinet stifles revolt from far right over sending Gazans fuel without hostage deal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly trying to quell an uprising from far-right members of his government over his concession to send about two trucks of fuel per day into Gaza before securing the release of hundreds of hostages still held by Hamas.
Nentanyhu, facing mounting pressure from President Biden and the West, reportedly agreed on Friday to send 60,000 liters of fuel, or about two trucks per day, into Gaza in order to prevent the sewer system from collapsing and deter further humanitarian crises, according to Politico. That represents just about 3.5% of the amount of fuel allowed into Gaza before the war.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a right-wing leader, has deemed allowing fuel into Gaza "a grave mistake." He argued Netanyahu's war cabinet, which consists of three people, including the prime minister himself, should be expanded so that all seven parties in the coalition government have a seat.
Without daily fuel deliveries, some argue the sewer system in Gaza would break down and risk the spread of infectious disease, endangering both civilians and Israeli troops. "If plague were to break out, we’d have to stop the war," National Security Council chairman Tzachi Hanegbi told reporters Friday.
But Itamar Ben Gvir, the minister overseeing Israel’s police, contended that "so long as our hostages don’t even get a visit from the Red Cross, there’s no sense in giving the enemy humanitarian gifts," according to Politico. Allowing fuel, Gvir said, "broadcasts weakness, gives oxygen to the enemy and allows [Hamas Gaza leader Yahya] Sinwar to sit comfortably in his air-conditioned bunker, watch the news and continue to manipulate Israeli society and the families of the abductees."
Fox News' Danielle Wallace contributed to this report
Posted by Anders Hagstrom
