Israeli Minister's Provocative Visit to Jerusalem's Holy Site
Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir has once again stirred controversy with his recent visit to the Esplanade des Mosques in Jerusalem. In a video published Thursday, Ben Gvir is seen at the site, which is sacred to both Jews and Muslims, challenging his Prime Minister, Hamas, and the residents of Gaza. 'I have come to the most important place of the Jewish people to pray for the hostages, that they return home but not by an agreement of capitulation: without renunciation,' he declared, with the Dome of the Rock in the background.
Netanyahu Faces Internal and External Pressures
The Esplanade des Mosques, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, is a focal point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ben Gvir's visits, seen as provocative by Palestinians and many international actors, have added to the tensions. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under intense pressure from the families of hostages held in Gaza to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas. However, Ben Gvir, whose support is crucial for Netanyahu's majority in the government, is urging the Prime Minister to maintain military pressure and not make any concessions.
Internal Disputes Hamper Prisoner Exchange Negotiations
Amidst these tensions, Israeli military experts and political analysts have acknowledged that internal disputes within the Israeli government are affecting the management of the war and the achievement of its goals. Former head of the Operations Division in the Israeli army, Yisrael Ziv, noted that Hamas is not obstructing the prisoner exchange deal, but rather the details added by Netanyahu are causing the delays. Disagreements between Netanyahu and key security officials, including Defense Minister Yoav Galant and heads of Mossad and Shin Bet, are further complicating the situation. These internal rifts are impacting the negotiation process and the overall strategy in Gaza.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Worsens
The international community continues to call on Israel to ease the siege on Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is dire. The shortage of gasoline has crippled the ability to power generators necessary for hospitals, exacerbating the crisis in the war-torn region. As the conflict drags on, the lack of consensus within the Israeli leadership and the provocative actions of figures like Ben Gvir threaten to escalate tensions further, making a resolution seem increasingly elusive.
