What’s happening:
President Joe Biden’s recent description of Israel’s cease-fire proposal has been labeled “not accurate” by a senior Israeli official, as uncertainties about the U.S. ally’s position on the deal grew Monday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under intense pressure from various factions, including threats from right-wing ministers to dissolve his government if he agrees to the hostage deal.
Driving the news:
Biden announced on Friday that he was outlining a truce proposal attributed to Israel and passed by mediators to Hamas. However, Netanyahu, facing significant internal dissent, finds himself in a challenging position. A senior Israeli official questioned Biden’s account of the cease-fire offer, particularly the notion that Israel had agreed to fully withdraw its troops from the Gaza Strip as part of a hostage release agreement.
Key points:
Cease-fire conditions: The Israeli official stressed that Israel’s conditions for a permanent cease-fire remain unchanged. “Israel has not changed its conditions to reach a permanent cease-fire. That will only happen after our objectives are met, including destroying Hamas’s military and governing capabilities,” the official stated.
Proposal origins:
The official clarified that while the White House presented the plan as originating from Israel, it was actually a mediator’s proposal that Israel had modified. “It’s strange that they say it’s an Israeli proposal and at the same time that Israel needs to agree to it,” the official remarked.
Awaiting Hamas:
Israel is currently awaiting Hamas’ formal response to the proposal, which could significantly influence the conflict’s direction.
Context:
The strategic importance of the Red Sea is immense, serving as a critical maritime route for global trade and a focal point of geopolitical interest. Iran’s actions indicate a strategic move to establish a foothold in this key area, which raises concerns among neighboring countries and the international community due to the potential for increased instability.
Background:
Biden’s announcement:
In a White House speech, Biden detailed a three-part cease-fire plan purportedly proposed by Israel. This plan includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza’s populated areas and the release of hostages taken during the October 7 Hamas-led attack. The first phase calls for a six-week complete cease-fire.
Hamas response:
A Hamas spokesperson expressed a positive view of Biden’s proposal, but the group’s official stance is still awaited.
The big picture:
Netanyahu’s dilemma: Despite Biden’s portrayal of the proposal as Israeli, Netanyahu’s public position remains ambiguous. His office reaffirmed that Israel’s terms for ending the war have not changed, stating that a permanent cease-fire in Gaza is a “nonstarter” until those terms are met. Ophir Falk, Netanyahu’s chief foreign policy adviser, told Britain’s Sunday Times that while Israel did not reject the deal, it wasn’t favorable. “It’s not a good deal, but we dearly want the hostages released,” Falk said.
Internal pressures: Netanyahu faces substantial domestic pressure. Two right-wing ministers have threatened to exit his coalition government if he agrees to the cease-fire deal as outlined by Biden. Reports indicate Netanyahu was scheduled to meet with his hardline national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has threatened to quit the government.
Public pressure: Families of the Israeli hostages are increasing their demands for the government to secure the release of their loved ones. A large rally was held in Tel Aviv following Biden’s speech, emphasizing the public’s desire for a resolution.
International dynamics:
U.S. involvement: The Biden administration has maintained its pressure campaign. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and war Cabinet member Benny Gantz, commending Israel for the proposal and asserting that the responsibility now lies with Hamas to accept it.