Netanyahu’s New Stance
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated he is open to a “partial deal” with Hamas. This deal aims to free some hostages held in Gaza while allowing Israel to continue its military operations in the region.
Why This Matters
Netanyahu’s latest comments contrast sharply with an earlier proposal for a three-phase deal. This initial proposal sought to secure the release of all 120 hostages and achieve lasting peace in Gaza. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 37,500.
The Biden administration had reported that Netanyahu supported this proposal. However, Netanyahu’s new remarks indicate a shift. His radical right-wing coalition partners, Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, have threatened to leave the coalition if the proposal is accepted, further complicating the situation.
Skepticism Surrounding Netanyahu’s Motives
There is growing skepticism regarding Netanyahu’s true intentions behind prolonging the war in Gaza. Critics argue that his reluctance to agree to a full hostage deal and his insistence on continuing military operations are driven by personal interests rather than national security.
Netanyahu faces severe backlash from the Israeli public due to perceived failures in preventing the October 7 attack, undermining his image as “Mr. Security.” Moreover, the looming corruption charges against him add another layer of complexity. Many believe that Netanyahu views the ongoing conflict as a distraction from his legal troubles. The war, in essence, serves as a shield, delaying the legal proceedings that could bring his alleged corruption to light. By maintaining a state of war, Netanyahu avoids the political fallout that would likely ensue if war ceased.
Background on the Proposal
The Israeli war cabinet approved the original proposal in late May. President Biden publicly endorsed it on May 31. The Biden administration gained significant international support, culminating in a UN Security Council resolution. Despite these efforts, Hamas requested changes to the proposal, raising new demands.
Netanyahu, in an interview with Israel’s Channel 14, made his stance clear. He rejected ending the war as part of a hostage deal. “I will not stop the war and leave Hamas standing in Gaza,” he said. He expressed willingness for a partial deal to return some hostages but insisted on continuing the war to destroy Hamas.
Netanyahu’s Contradictory Statements
Netanyahu’s position on a partial deal was previously unknown. This revelation has not been addressed by the White House. The Hostages Families Forum Headquarters, representing the hostages’ families, criticized Netanyahu’s shift, accusing him of abandoning 120 hostages and failing in his duty to Israeli citizens.
Netanyahu’s office responded by blaming Hamas for the deal’s failure. They emphasized that Israel would not leave Gaza until all hostages, living and deceased, were returned.
Hamas’s Response
Hamas viewed Netanyahu’s remarks as evidence that the Biden administration was not truthful about Israel’s agreement to the ceasefire deal. They argued that Netanyahu’s desire for a partial agreement opposed the UN Security Council resolution and President Biden’s speech.
Tensions with the White House
Netanyahu’s statements are likely to heighten tensions between Israel and the United States. Netanyahu has accused the Biden administration of withholding weapons from Israel, citing a significant decrease in munitions shipments over the past four months. He claimed that despite repeated requests, the situation did not improve, prompting him to go public.
A White House official dismissed Netanyahu’s accusations, expressing a desire for constructive consultations with Israeli Defense Minister Gallant, who is currently in Washington.
Upcoming Meetings
Gallant will meet with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, CIA Director Bill Burns, and other senior officials to discuss these developments.
