Netanyahu under fire as rivals brand Gaza truce deal a capitulation
Benny Gantz warns agreement gave terror groups what they wanted and will only lead to further violence, while Likud challenger Gideon Sa'ar says deal gives Israel nothing
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came under criticism Monday for agreeing to a ceasefire with the militant factions in the Gaza Strip, ending days of heavy rocket fire on southern and central communities.
An agreement brokered by Egyptian mediators in Cairo brought an end to this latest round of violence between Gazan militants and Israel. The terms of the agreement are unclear, and there has been no formal Israeli confirmation that a deal is in place.
Opposition inside Netanyahu's Likud party came in the form of a tweet by Likud political rival Gideon Sa'ar, who said that Israel gained nothing from this reported ceasefire, while the Palestinian organizations are increasing their attacks of Israel.
כמעט 700 שיגורים לשטח ישראל, נפגעים ופצועים רבים ו-4 הרוגים - כולם תוצר של אובדן ההרתעה - מסתיימים בכניעה נוספת לסחטנות חמאס וארגוני הטרור.
— בני גנץ - Benny Gantz (@gantzbe) May 6, 2019
כל מה שעשתה המממשלה, פעם נוספת, הוא להניח לפתחנו את המערכה הבאה.
Blue and White leader Benny Gantz also tweeted his disapproval, calling the agreement a capitulation that would only lead to more fighting.
"Almost 700 rockets, many injured, four killed, all as a result of Israel's loss of deterrence. Israel once again is capitulating to terrorists demands while the government lays out the next round at our door," he wrote.
Labor Party leader Avi Gabbay, meanwhile, told Ynet that a ceasefire only served to empower Islamic Jihad.
"After 20 years of Netanyahu propping up Hamas, Israel is now propping up Islamic Jihad, who was at the table as an equal partner to (truce) talks in Cairo."
Gabbay added that without a long-term political solution, the next round of violence in Gaza is just a matter of time
Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi, whose residents were under constant fire from Gaza during this last round of violence, also warned that Israel has lost its deterrence in Gaza.
"We are in a serious bind because our values are being confused," he said. "This round began after an IDF officer was shot, not because of rocket launches.
"It is important to remember that soldiers are meant to be on the front line and not civilians. No one can look our residents in the eye and say deterrence has been restored."
