Negotiations between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, are moving forward despite disagreements over disarmament.
Israel to expand ground operation in Gaza
According to reports, a consensus has been reached on a long-term ceasefire in the besieged enclave, but some contentious issues remain, including the question of Hamas’s weapons.
Hamas has repeatedly stated that it is not prepared to lay down its arms, which is a key demand of Israel.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military is preparing to expand its ground operation in the Gaza Strip, citing protracted negotiations with the Palestinian group Hamas, Israeli state broadcaster KAN reported on Monday.
The Israeli army is planning a large-scale mobilisation of reservists, who are already severely depleted. The report said preparations were underway to intensify operations at the request of security cabinet ministers.
The military has also begun creating a new “humanitarian zone” in southern Gaza, located between the Morag corridor and Rafah, “for the resettlement of Palestinians after security checks,” the television station reported.
The report added that humanitarian aid in the new zone would be distributed by American civilian companies under the protection and supervision of the Israeli army.
The planned expansion could have serious consequences, including increasing the burden on already exhausted reservists and possibly worsening the situation of Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza.
On March 18, the Israeli army resumed its offensive on Gaza, violating the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement reached on January 19.
Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar resigns
Ronen Bar, head of Shin Bet, the internal intelligence agency that sparked a political crisis in Israel, has resigned. In his speech, Bar stated that he had failed to prevent the events of 7 October and that after many years of work on many fronts, the organisation had been unable to provide early warning on that day and all systems had collapsed.
“As the head of the organisation, I took responsibility — and now, on the evening that symbolses memory, heroism, and sacrifice, I chose to announce its fulfillment and decided to end my role as head of the Israel Security Agency,” Bar said, adding that he would leave his post on June 15.
Noting the importance of maintaining the independence of Shin Bet, Bar said he would continue to co-operate in the legal proceedings surrounding his dismissal to ensure that the agency remains free from political pressure.
Netanyahu wanted to dismiss Bar, but the Supreme Court blocked the decision.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who in previous statements said he did not trust Bar because of what happened on October 7, 2023, wanted to dismiss him, but the Supreme Court froze the decision to dismiss Bar and allowed Netanyahu to interview new candidates.
Bar testified to the Supreme Court regarding the statements filed against the government’s decision to dismiss him. In his sworn testimony, Bar stated that the reason for his dismissal was not professional but rather Netanyahu’s personal expectations. Bar accused Netanyahu of demanding “personal loyalty” from him and ordering him to monitor anti-government protesters, claiming that in the event of a constitutional crisis, he had been “made clear” that he must obey Netanyahu rather than the Supreme Court’s orders.
