A small team of Knesset members will be established in order to implement the second phase of US President Donald Trump's Gaza deal, the Security Cabinet decided at Thursday's meeting.
The decision follows the United Nations Security Council Monday vote in support of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan and for a UN mandate to establish the International Stabilization Force (ISF) that is expected to be deployed to the Gaza Strip.
Members of the team will reportedly include National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Justice Minister Yariv Levin, according to Israeli media.
After the decision was announced, MK Gila Gamliel (Likud) noted her frustration over the team's lack of women, according to Israeli public broadcaster KAN News, saying that having women present would "give [the team] balance."
MK David Amsalem (Likud) also asked if the team's small size is to prevent leaks of sensitive information, according to KAN. Upon receiving a positive answer from Government Secretary Yossi Fuchs, KAN quoted Amsalem as slamming the notion, saying: "But these are the people who leak [information]."
Israel working to conclude 'Phase A' of deal, Netanyahu says
In an exchange leaked from a separate cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu told National Missions Minister Orit Strock that he "did not know" until when a ceasefire in Gaza would hold, stating that Israel "is working to conclude Phase A."
Netanyahu further added that three deceased hostages have yet to be returned for burial by Hamas as part of the agreement.
"We did not go to war only to free hostages," Strock told the prime minister, who responded by saying Israel had given its approval to establish the international security force for the purposes of demilitarizing the Gaza Strip.
Jerusalem Post Staff, James Genn, and Reuters contributed to this report.