White House Assails Israeli Minister for Opposing Cease

The White House issued a strong condemnation on Friday of far-right Israeli cabinet minister Bezalel Smotrich, labeling his accusations against a U.S.-brokered cease-fire proposal as “ridiculous.” The rebuke followed a joint statement from President Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, which emphasized the urgent need for Israel and Hamas to finalize a cease-fire agreement. This proposal aims to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a cessation of hostilities and the release of Palestinians detained by Israel. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby expressed particular outrage at Smotrich's insinuation that President Biden was coercing Israel into a surrender agreement, especially as the U.S. has increased military support in the region to deter potential Iranian aggression. Meanwhile, violence continues to escalate, with reports of a Hamas official killed in an Israeli strike in Lebanon, highlighting the ongoing conflict's toll on health workers and civilians. In a related development, the Biden administration confirmed it would not impede U.S. security assistance to an Israeli military unit implicated in human rights violations, following Israel's commitment to prevent further offenses. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to send negotiators next week to discuss a “final” cease-fire proposal, as the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens, with schools closed and displaced individuals seeking refuge in overcrowded facilities. As regional tensions rise, the joint call for a cease-fire by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar is viewed as a critical effort to prevent a broader conflict, with Iran expressing its support for any agreement accepted by Hamas.