Netanyahu fell into the trap!
Last Updated on June 14, 2024 11:43 am
There is a ‘deadlock’ on the question of a cease-fire in Gaza. A peace deal proposed for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza by the United States with Israel’s consent; Although Hamas agreed to it, Israel has not yet taken any effective action. As a result, negotiations for an end to the Gaza war and the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages are already in jeopardy.
Recently, the Security Council also passed a ceasefire resolution in Gaza. It also mentions a permanent ceasefire. But Israel is still not talking about accepting it. And Hamas says they want a guarantee of a permanent ceasefire.
Meanwhile, the situation in Israel became more complicated after the resignation of Benny Gantz from Netanyahu’s war cabinet. Last Sunday, he resigned along with his political ally Gadi Eisenkot. Both of them are retired army generals. They led the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as Chiefs of Staff.
The US felt comfortable communicating with Netanyahu’s cabinet through Gantz. Now Ganats has gone back to the opposition party and is demanding early elections. Pollsters are putting him ahead as Israel’s next prime minister.
But as long as Netanyahu can hold on to the alliance, he is safe. Now Netanyahu has to rely on retaining the support of two staunch nationalist leaders. They are National Security Affairs Minister Itamar Ben-Gavir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
However, Itamar and Bezalel threatened that if Netanyahu agreed to any kind of ceasefire without eliminating Hamas, his government would fall.
According to Itamar and Bezalel, Gaza, like all areas between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, is Jewish territory. And it must be under the control of the Jews. Palestinians should therefore be encouraged to leave Gaza voluntarily.
On May 31, Biden called on Hamas to accept a new ceasefire proposal. The proposal is three-step. It initially included a six-week ceasefire, increased aid supplies to Gaza and the release of some Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. This proposal was passed by the Security Council last Wednesday. 14 of the 15 members of the Security Council voted in favor of the resolution. Russia abstained from voting.