Israel confronts internal security dissent and foreign criticism over Gaza ceasefire plan

Israel's government is facing mounting pressure from within its coalition and security establishment over the implementation of the U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire roadmap. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was accused by National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir of agreeing to freeze attacks in Gaza, while Ben‑Gvir insisted that daily assassinations must continue as a strategic policy. Shin Bet chief David Zini echoed a similar stance, arguing that Hamas's acceptance of a disarmament plan aims to delay Israel. Despite these internal objections, steps on the ground are proceeding, including a contract awarded to U.S. firm Arc International to build a new base for an international force inside the Gaza “yellow zone.”

At the same time, a video released by an extremist Israeli settler group showed a newly fortified settlement near Rafah on the Gaza‑Egypt border, accompanied by images of a fresh Israeli military installation close to the Egyptian frontier. Eight Arab and Muslim states—including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Turkey—issued a joint condemnation of ongoing Israeli violations in Gaza and the West Bank, labeling them breaches of international humanitarian law. Satellite imagery indicates the site occupies the former Palestinian village of al‑Suwadiyah, suggesting Israel is establishing a new strategic foothold near the sensitive border area.