Israeli Intelligence Minister Calls for ‘Civilian Separation’ from Gaza

Palestinian children in Gaza City's al-Shejaiya neighborhood. (AFP file photo)
Palestinian children in Gaza City's al-Shejaiya neighborhood. (AFP file photo)
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Israeli Intelligence Minister Calls for ‘Civilian Separation’ from Gaza

Palestinian children in Gaza City's al-Shejaiya neighborhood. (AFP file photo)
Palestinian children in Gaza City's al-Shejaiya neighborhood. (AFP file photo)

Israeli Intelligence Yisrael Katz criticized on Sunday Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman for saying that he has “nothing to do” with any talks on a long-term ceasefire agreement with Hamas in Gaza. He claimed Lieberman is being untruthful about not being involved in truce talks with the Palestinian group.

Katz said on a radio show that the defense minister said he is not involved in the truce and “all Israeli citizens should feel bad if that is the announcement that was made. The issue of Gaza requires thought and decisions.”

He indicated that he does not need to leak from cabinet meetings that the defense minister is involved in what’s happening, asserting: “Of course he’s involved.”

Katz called for a strategic decision on how to relinquish civil responsibility for Gaza. He noted that the security cabinet has not heard a single proposal to overthrow Hamas for the last three years.

On Friday, speaking during a visit to Israeli communities in the Gaza periphery, Lieberman said he is not involved with and does not believe in an accord with Hamas.

“I’m not involved in the issue of an accord, I don’t believe in it. The only accord is the reality on the ground.”

Lieberman’s denial also appeared to contradict the assertions of Education Minister Naftali Bennett, who heavily criticized the defense minister for what he has seen as a faulty strategy in Gaza and has vowed to oppose any accord with Hamas.

Lieberman said that Israel would do all it takes to ensure calm for communities near Gaza.

“First and foremost we want calm on the security front. If we decide there’s no choice and we need to launch a military operation, we’ll do what needs to be done. We’ll set the time and we’ll set the terms.”

Lieberman noted that the Palestinian group’s main goal is the destruction of Israel, so “I don’t think we have anything to talk about with Hamas. The only thing we’re saying through the Egyptians and through others and they understand this [is] there will be no movement and no new agreements…until there is a solution on the captives and missing persons.”

Egypt, which is working to resume the talks between the Palestinian Authority and Israel, is trying to persuade Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to participate. However, Abbas is unhappy with the agreement between Israel and Hamas because he sees in them their approval of the United States’ so-called “deal of the century.”



US Sends Beirut ‘Warning’ and ‘Incentive’ Over Hezbollah Arms

US special envoy Tom Barrack (Reuters)
US special envoy Tom Barrack (Reuters)
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US Sends Beirut ‘Warning’ and ‘Incentive’ Over Hezbollah Arms

US special envoy Tom Barrack (Reuters)
US special envoy Tom Barrack (Reuters)

US special envoy Tom Barrack delivered a dual message of “incentive” and “warning” to the Lebanese capital this week, urging swift action on the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons.

“You have Israel on one side, you have Iran on the other, and now you have Syria manifesting itself so quickly that if Lebanon doesn’t move, it’s going to be Bilad Al Sham again,” he said, using the historical name for the Syria region.

The remarks sparked alarm within Lebanon’s political establishment, with some interpreting the comments as a blunt warning of “existential danger.”

Government sources told Asharq al-Awsat that Barrack, who also serves as Washington’s ambassador to Türkiye and was previously tasked with Syria policy, appears to be approaching the Lebanon and Syria files through a unified lens.

“Barrack believes that Lebanon should follow the same diplomatic path as Syria,” one official said, referring to Damascus' recent re-engagement with regional and international actors. “But he also understands Lebanon’s complex political terrain.”

Barrack’s comments about Lebanon potentially “returning to Bilad Al Sham” provoked criticism across the political spectrum, prompting him to clarify his position in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

“My comments yesterday praised Syria’s impressive strides, not a threat to Lebanon,” wrote Barrack.

“I observed the reality that Syria is moving at light speed to seize the historic opportunity presented by President Donald Trump lifting of sanctions: investment from Türkiye and the Gulf, diplomatic outreach to neighboring countries, and a clear vision for the future,” he added.

He said Syria’s leadership is “seeking coexistence and shared prosperity with Lebanon based on sovereign equality,” and stressed that the United States supports a bilateral relationship that promotes “peace, prosperity, and mutual respect” between the two nations.

“I can assure that Syria’s leaders only want co-existence and mutual prosperity with Lebanon, and the United States is committed to supporting that relationship between two equal and sovereign neighbors enjoying peace and prosperity,” said Barrack.

Barrack, in the context of disarming Hezbollah, had stated that a successful approach requires a combination of "carrots and sticks". This means using both positive incentives (carrots) and negative consequences (sticks) to achieve the desired outcome.

Barrack’s recent warning to Lebanon reflects the “stick” Washington is wielding, while his unprecedented acknowledgment of Hezbollah’s dual structure signals the “carrot” being offered.

“This is the first time a US official publicly distinguishes between Hezbollah’s political and military wings,” one source told Asharq al-Awsat.

“It’s a message of inducement aimed directly at Hezbollah, despite the fact that Washington has long treated both branches as inseparable and placed them under the same sanctions regime,” they explained.

In remarks to the press, Barrack reiterated the US designation of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, but added nuance rarely heard from senior American officials.