Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced criticism for his handling of negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict and securing prisoner releases. According to political analyst Anna Barsky from the Israeli newspaper Maariv, Netanyahu's insistence on certain conditions has derailed negotiations. Barsky suggests that Netanyahu's motives are complex, as he seeks to bolster Israel's position against Iranian threats while navigating the current political landscape with the United States.
Barsky argues that Netanyahu's strategy involves using specific demands as bargaining chips in negotiations. This approach reflects a broader ambition to re-establish a regional agreement that Israel had previously sidelined following the Hamas attacks on October 7. However, she notes that achieving this goal is complicated by the lack of support from the U.S. under the Biden administration and the neutrality of Sunni Arab nations.
Ultimately, Barsky posits that Netanyahu's ultimate aim is to pivot back to a path of regional cooperation, albeit without granting a significant diplomatic victory to President Biden. This situation highlights the intricate dynamics of Middle Eastern politics and the challenges of achieving lasting peace.
