A long-term ceasefire deal with Hamas is in order, Eshkol Regional Council head Haim Yelin stated in a special interview with Arutz Sheva on Friday, in order to postpone another war for as long as possible. 

Yelin acknowledged that as long as a ceasefire deal is signed, the issue of another war becomes a “matter of time” – but added that he hopes the right long-term deal could prevent that. 

“It is clear to us that the other party is holding out for the next campaign, we know it’s digging tunnels and preparing attacks, and this is just a matter of time,” Yelin said. “If the IDF did achieve its objectives during Operation Protective Edge, why can’t they sign an agreement that ensures us some quiet? They told us that Hamas has been weakened, so why not close a peace deal long-term?” 

“Meanwhile, we see that the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt scuffles with the police and Egyptians do not want to talk to Hamas, so if the Egyptians do not, then the Saudis will enter the picture,” he added. 

Yelin’s remarks surface just one day after Hamas threatened another war if Gaza is not rebuilt.

Meanwhile, the regional leader has been adamant that “Gaza war number four” is on its way, telling Arutz Sheva two weeks ago that not enough is being done to prevent it. At the time, however, he advocated a military solution. 

“It doesn’t make a difference to us who fires,” Yelin told Arutz Sheva. “Hamas or rebellious groups; we demand a military response against rocket fire on the residents of the state of Israel.”

Yelin said he is convinced that rockets will soon be pummeling the center of the country as they did during the operation, saying “the hourglass has already turned ahead of the next war.”

“Today it’s in Eshkol, tomorrow in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and the military and diplomatic response needs to be appropriate,” said Yelin. “The military achievement of Protective Edge is dissipating, with no national outline to give true quiet to the residents of the south and residents of the state of Israel.”