Without the approval of the Cabinet: Israel transfers Palestinian orphans from Gaza to Yosh

In a recent operation led by the IDF and the Israel Defense Forces, more than 70 Gazan orphans were relocated to Judea and Samaria, directed by the MLA. 

The National Security Headquarters in the Prime Minister's Office approved this move, responding to a request from the German embassy. 

Despite Hamas's lack of cooperation in providing information about living abductees, an extraordinary humanitarian gesture was executed, transferring the orphans from the non-functional SOS orphanage in Gaza to their new home in Bethlehem.

Remarkably, this initiative occurred without seeking approval from the political-security cabinet, sparking criticism from officials like Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Opposition leader Yair Lapid. Minister Smotrich expressed concern, stating, "Everyone who shows mercy to the cruel will end up being cruel to the merciful," demanding clarification from the Prime Minister on the authority behind this move. 

Meanwhile, Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the lack of cabinet updates, questioning, "Is there anything in which the cabinet is updated?"

The transfer operation involved large IDF forces mobilized along the traffic axis from the Taba crossing to the tunnel road, ensuring the safe passage of buses carrying the orphans and their companions to the territories of the Palestinian Authority. 

The convoy is expected to arrive at the tunnel checkpoint tonight at 6:00 p.m., further emphasizing the unconventional nature of the operation and the subsequent concerns raised by officials.