Israeli Broadcasting: Netanyahu Greenlights Ceasefire in Gaza Without Notifying the War Council

As per the Anadolu Agency, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority said Wednesday, February 7, 2024, that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given the green light to halt the ceasefire in Gaza during the transitional periods between stages of the anticipated deal with Hamas, without prior notification to the War Council.

The authority explained, “Qatar requested a ceasefire during the progression between stages (of the deal) to continue negotiations between the two parties as they transition from one stage to another.”

“Ceasefire”

The authority said, “The transitional period between stages is expected to last about a week, meaning that the ceasefire approved by Netanyahu will last for a similar period between stages.” It added, “The Prime Minister agreed to the Qatari request in a conversation with Mossad chief David Barna during his presence at the Intelligence Chiefs Summit in Paris” last month.

The broadcasting authority continued, “According to sources familiar with the details of the discussions, members of the War Cabinet did not receive an update on this matter until Netanyahu’s approval.”

It quoted the Prime Minister’s Office as saying, “The Prime Minister’s instructions to the Mossad chief are ongoing, and he shared them with all members of the War Cabinet and received their comments.”

Last January 28th, a meeting was held in the French capital Paris, with the participation of Israel, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, to discuss a prisoner exchange deal and the cessation of war in Gaza, which will be carried out in 3 stages, according to Palestinian and American sources.