An American side letter guaranteeing Israel's rights in case of ceasefire violations will remain classified, Israeli officials announced following a cabinet meeting, casting uncertainty over the document's effectiveness as a diplomatic safeguard.
The document, secured through extensive negotiations between Minister of Strategic Affairs of Israel Ron Dermer and the US administration, had been touted by the Prime Minister's Office as a major diplomatic achievement that would guarantee Israel's right to resume military operations if the agreement was breached.
Cabinet ministers who reviewed the letter during the session described it as comprehensive, covering various scenarios of potential violations. However, Israeli officials have now indicated that the letter, obtained during President Biden's current term, will remain sealed, raising questions about its practical enforceability.
Historical precedent suggests cause for concern – past US administrations have occasionally distanced themselves from their predecessors' commitments, even public ones. A notable example was the letter from President George W. Bush that accompanied Israel's 2005 Gaza withdrawal.
In a televised address Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu first spoke to residents of northern Israel: "This war will not conclude until all our objectives are met, and at this stage, specifically not until we can ensure the safe return of northern residents to their homes."
Video: Netanyahu on the ceasefire deal / Credit: Itay Beit On
"Until now, thanks to the valor of our fighters, we have achieved remarkable successes across all seven fronts of this war of resurgence. These achievements demonstrate Israel's power throughout the Middle East, and directly to Iran, which stands at the head of this network. I am resolved to take all necessary steps to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons."
Addressing the hostage situation, Netanyahu declared: "In Gaza, we have dismantled Hamas's battalions, eliminated Sinwar, Deif, and their leadership echelon, and secured the return of 154 of our hostages. We remain committed to bringing everyone home and ending their families' unbearable suffering, just as we are committed to completing Hamas's elimination. In Syria, we are systematically preventing weapons transfers to Lebanon. Assad needs to understand – he is playing a dangerous game."
