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Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism, Amichai Chikli (Likud), has declared his intent to resign if the terms of the anticipated hostage deal include an Israeli withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor on the Gaza-Egypt border or if military operations against Hamas are not resumed to achieve Israel’s war objectives.
Chikli’s statement on Thursday marked the first time a Likud minister has threatened to leave the government over the ongoing negotiations. His remarks came shortly after the Religious Zionist Party issued a similar warning, signaling potential discord within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition.
Firm Commitment to War Goals
In a detailed statement, Chikli emphasized that Israel set three primary goals for its military campaign in Gaza: the military defeat of Hamas, the collapse of its rule, and the return of all hostages.
“There are significant achievements in the war against Hamas: Hamas’s senior leadership has suffered severe blows with the elimination of [Yahya] Sinwar, [Mohammed] Deif, [Ismail] Haniyeh, and other senior figures; thousands of terrorists have been killed by IDF forces, and Hamas has lost most of its assets and military capabilities,” Chikli stated.
However, he warned that Hamas has managed to prolong the conflict due to sustained external aid.
“Largely thanks to the continuous supply Hamas received (under tremendous pressure from the Biden administration), which is far beyond humanitarian needs, Hamas has managed to greatly extend the duration of the fighting, maintain firm control over Gaza’s population, and preserve some of its military capabilities. The mission is not yet complete,” Chikli added.
Concerns Over the Emerging Hostage Deal
As negotiations continue, Chikli underscored that Israel remains committed to securing the return of all hostages, both living and deceased. However, he stressed that any agreement must not compromise Israel’s strategic military position.
“The most important foundation of the deal is Israel’s refusal to commit to ending the war,” he wrote, adding that Hamas has not secured its demand for a full withdrawal of IDF forces from Gaza. He reassured that Israeli forces will maintain their presence along the Philadelphi Corridor and other strategic positions.
Chikli expressed reservations about potential concessions, including Israel relinquishing control over the Netzarim Corridor, which could allow Gazans greater mobility between northern and southern Gaza. “Will this concession make it difficult to renew the fighting? The answer is yes. Will it prevent us from renewing the fighting? The answer is no,” he stated.
The minister also acknowledged the controversial aspect of prisoner releases as part of the deal. “The overwhelming majority of those released are junior operatives arrested in Gaza (wanted for investigation).
In addition, several hundred involved in terrorism, including about 150 terrorists sentenced to life imprisonment, will be deported and not allowed to return to the West Bank,” Chikli explained. “This is a heavy price that involves risk; this fact should not be obscured.”
Commitment to Resignation
Chikli made a firm commitment to resign if Israel concedes control of the Philadelphi Corridor or if the government halts its military operations without achieving the war’s objectives. “I am committing here that if there is, God forbid, a withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor (before achieving the war goals), or if we do not return to fight in order to complete the war goals, I will resign from my position as a minister in the government,” he declared.
He further noted that he would withhold his final decision until the full details of the deal are presented. “This deal is hard to digest and involves heavy prices. Therefore, as was the case in the previous vote, I will make my final decision only at the end of presenting all the details of the deal.”
US-Israel Relations and Future Outlook
Chikli’s remarks also touched on Israel’s relations with the United States, highlighting a shift in policy with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. “Last night, I listened intently to Mike Waltz, Trump’s incoming National Security Advisor, a true friend of Israel, who said in an interview with Fox News that the incoming administration supports Israel’s right to continue the war as much as necessary,” he wrote.
Defense Secretary-designate Pete Hegseth also affirmed Israel’s right to “destroy Hamas and eliminate it to the last person” during his confirmation hearing. Chikli argued that the Trump administration’s position starkly contrasts with the outgoing Biden administration’s stance, which he accused of pressuring Israel into humanitarian concessions that have benefited Hamas.
Calls for Military Leadership Changes
In his concluding remarks, Chikli called for a leadership shake-up within Israel’s military command. “To fully achieve the war’s objectives, we need to replace the top of the General Staff. We need a different spirit – aggressive and determined, one that strives for decisiveness and the enemy’s destruction. We have a series of such commanders at the division commander level, and they should take the lead.”
His call for new military leadership signals growing dissatisfaction among right-wing factions with the current handling of the war.
Implications for Netanyahu’s Coalition
Chikli’s ultimatum puts additional pressure on Netanyahu’s fragile coalition, which already faces internal tensions over the handling of the war and hostage negotiations. If Chikli follows through on his threat to resign, it could trigger further political instability, especially if other right-wing ministers join him in opposition to the deal.
As negotiations over the hostage deal continue, all eyes are on Netanyahu’s government to see whether it will hold firm on its war objectives or make concessions that could reshape Israel’s political and military landscape.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members