Israeli security cabinet votes to approve hostage deal ahead of gov’t vote

Ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir voted against the deal.

By AMICHAI STEIN, JERUSALEM POST STAFF JANUARY 17, 2025 15:07 Updated: JANUARY 17, 2025 15:24

Security cabinet meets to approve hostage deal. January 17, 2025. (photo credit: KOBI GIDEON/GPO)

The Israeli security cabinet voted Friday afternoon to recommend the government approve the outline for the hostage deal after "understanding that the proposed deal helps achieve some of the war's goals," the Prime Minister's office announced.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir voted against the deal. Likud MK Dudi Amsalem also expressed his opposition.

The government meeting on approving the deal's outline is expected to extend into Shabbat, after the Haredi Knesset members announced that they are willing to be at the meeting during Shabbat, Maariv reported.

( Illustrative) National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over a backfrop of hostage photos (credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90, BRINGTHEMHOMENOW, Canva)

This is a developing story.