Defense Minister cites release of terrorists in hostage deal in decision to free 5 Judea and Samaria residents to their homes. 'Better for the families of Jewish settlers to be happy than for the families of released terrorists.'

Cabinet meeting to begin at 3:30 p.m. local time

<p>The Otzma Yehudit party responded to the Likud after its criticism which was directed at Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's statement.</p><p>"We expect our friends in Likud to show appreciation for the ideological step taken by Otzma Yehudit, which stood firm on its values against the reckless deal that endangers Israel's security, undermines the achievements of the war, and constitutes a complete victory for Hamas. This deal is a violation of all the public commitments made by the Prime Minister to his partners and the Israeli public. It includes a ceasefire, abandoning the Philadelphi Corridor, deserting the Nitzanim Corridor, allowing terrorists to return to northern Gaza without inspection, and releasing hundreds of murderers with Jewish blood on their hands," the party said.</p><p>"As we have said, we will continue to support the coalition and will not allow the left to bring down the Prime Minister, but we will not sit in a government that makes such reckless agreements. We remind Likud that even before October 7, the Otzma Yehudit faction opposed the policy of the concept in Gaza. Unfortunately, we were right then, we were right in many other cases, and hopefully, this time we will be proven wrong."</p>

<p>The Prime Minister's Office stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was updated by the negotiation team that agreements were reached on a deal for the release of hostages.</p><p>"The Prime Minister has instructed to convene the Security Cabinet on Friday. The government will then be convened to approve the deal. The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation to the negotiation team and everyone who assisted him," the statement said.</p><p>"The families of the hostages were updated a short time ago on the agreements that have been reached. The Prime Minister also instructed the coordinator for prisoners and missing persons to arrange for the reception of the hostages upon their return to the country."</p><p>"The State of Israel is committed to achieving all the war's objectives, including the return of all our hostages - both the living and the dead."</p>

<figure class="image"><img src="/files/picturebase/650858.jpg"><figcaption>ישיבת הקבינט<span>צילום: דוברות</span></figcaption></figure>

Hamas' Al-Aqsa channel claims the October 7 massacre weakened Israel, strengthened the Palestinian narrative over the Jewish narrative, and led to Israelis moving away from the country.

Cabinet to convene at 10:15 a.m. to approve hostage deal

UN Security Council urges all parties in Lebanon to "demonstrate renewed unity", calls on newly elected authorities to expedite the formation of a government.