Controversy has heightened in Israel following US President Joe Biden’s ceasefire proposal in Gaza, coupled with a prisoner exchange. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s chief foreign policy advisor, Ofir Falk, criticized the proposal, calling it an 'unrewarding deal,' although Israel accepted it under the same conditions: the release of hostages and the destruction of Hamas. The proposal has sparked a mixed reaction among Israeli officials and the public.
The settlement minister, Orit Struck, declared any proposal opposing the war's objectives as illegal, reinforcing that the Israeli War Council lacks the authority to make such political decisions. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich threatened to destabilize Netanyahu’s coalition government if he concluded a deal without achieving their goals. Ben Gvir holds sway over the police, and Smotrich leads a far-right faction, adding pressure on Netanyahu’s narrow majority.
President Biden's speech on Friday outlined a multi-stage plan involving a ceasefire, the gradual release of the 122 hostages held by Hamas, and increased humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. While Netanyahu agreed to these terms, he faces internal dissent. The deal has received backing from various fronts, including Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, who warned that rejecting the US proposal could damage Israel’s relationship with the United States and undermine the mediating efforts.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog voiced his support for Netanyahu, emphasizing the importance of the hostages' return under conditions that safeguard Israel's security interests. Former Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni echoed support for Biden’s plan, recognizing it as the 'best among the presented options,' stressing the national significance of returning the hostages.
Compounding the debate, prisoners' families advocated for the deal, urging Knesset members to endorse the American proposal to end their loved ones' captivity efficiently. Israeli Channel 12 highlighted the consensus among families, marking the current opportunity as crucial and not to be missed.
- The escalating situation presents Netanyahu with a significant dilemma, torn between appeasing the US and maintaining internal political stability. The far-right ministers' threats of resignation underline the delicate balance he must maintain within his coalition. The US proposal was not new but had been maintained in secrecy from the broader Israeli government prior to Friday's revelation by President Biden.
- As Netanyahu wrestles with his choices, the broader implications for Israeli politics and US-Israel relations hang in the balance. Biden sees the proposal as a pivotal moment that should not be overlooked, aiming to advance peace and humanitarian goals in the Gaza Strip.
