Israel's Heritage Minister Eliyahu unhappy with ceasefire agreement

Heritage Minister Eliyahu, a member of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party and the only minister in the Cabinet to vote against the agreement, made statements to the Israeli newspaper Maariv regarding the ceasefire deal.

Describing the ceasefire agreement as a "disgrace," Eliyahu said, "The agreement does not include most of the terms discussed. These are the buffer zone and the disarmament of Hezbollah."

Eliyahu stated, "This is not a victory. Victory is the occupation (of southern Lebanon) and the surrender of Hezbollah. Hezbollah did not surrender, and this agreement is not good. The State of Israel accepted (the agreement) under pressure."

"I am aware that there was pressure from the US," Eliyahu said, adding, "I hope the next administration (the Donald Trump administration) will be more comfortable with our behavior."

Emphasizing that Israel is dependent on the US for weapons and ammunition, Eliyahu said, "Our hands and feet are tied; we are in a bad and unhealthy state. Israel needs to be able to develop its own weapons."

CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT

US President Joe Biden stated in a post on his X account that he had spoken with the prime ministers of Israel and Lebanon, and that both sides had "accepted the proposal to end the devastating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah."

The ceasefire agreement reached between Lebanon and Israel entered into force as of 04:00 local time (05:00 Turkish time).

News Source: AA