TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under increasing pressure following U.S. President Joe Biden’s proposed agreement to end the conflict in Gaza. While many Israelis urge Netanyahu to accept the deal, his far-right allies threaten to dissolve his government if he does.
Netanyahu has dismissed the idea of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, insisting that long-standing conditions must be met first. This stance appears to contradict Biden’s announcement, which described the proposal as originating from Israel.
A significant protest took place in Israel on Saturday night, led by families of hostages held by Hamas, urging the government to take action. Mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar emphasize that the proposed deal offers a roadmap for a permanent ceasefire and immediate relief for both hostages and Gaza residents.
However, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir have threatened to break up the government if it accepts the deal. This could force Netanyahu into new elections, subjecting him to scrutiny over security failures that led to the war and potential prosecution on long-standing corruption charges.
Netanyahu’s statement maintained that Israel’s conditions for ending the war remain unchanged: the destruction of Hamas’ military and governing capabilities, the release of all hostages, and ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. He emphasized that these conditions must be met before a permanent ceasefire can be established.
In a separate statement, Netanyahu accepted an invitation from U.S. congressional leaders to address the Capitol, showcasing support for Israel amid U.S. frustration. No date has been set for the address.
Biden asserted on Friday that Hamas militants are no longer capable of launching large-scale attacks on Israel, urging both sides to agree on the release of approximately 100 remaining hostages and the bodies of about 30 more, for an extended ceasefire.
Talks on a deal had stalled last month after mediators pushed to prevent a full-scale Israeli invasion of Rafah, Gaza’s southern city. Israel considers the Rafah operation crucial for uprooting remaining Hamas battalions, despite militants regrouping elsewhere.
Israeli troops confirmed operations in central Rafah on Friday. Nearly 1 million Palestinians have fled Rafah, with the U.N. World Food Program describing the living conditions as “horrific and apocalyptic” amid growing hunger.
Hostage families expressed urgency, with Gili Roman telling The Associated Press, “This might be the last chance to save lives.” Roman’s sister, Yarden Roman-Gat, was freed during a weeklong ceasefire in November, but his sister-in-law Carmel remains captive. He stressed that leadership should not disappoint them and that focus should be on Hamas.
Families described a tense meeting on Thursday with Israel’s national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, who indicated the government wasn’t ready to sign a deal to release all hostages and lacked an alternative plan.
Many families accused the government of delaying a deal, costing lives of those held captive for extended periods. Sharone Lifschitz, whose mother Yocheved was freed in November, said the government’s delays have resulted in many deaths.
The first phase of Biden’s proposed deal involves a six-week “full and complete ceasefire,” withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated Gaza areas, and the release of certain hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The second phase includes releasing all remaining hostages and Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, followed by significant reconstruction efforts in the third phase.
Biden acknowledged the complexity of the proposal, stating that negotiating the transition between phases would be challenging. He noted that if Hamas fails to comply, Israel can resume military operations.
Hamas has responded positively to the proposal but urged Israel to commit to a permanent ceasefire, complete troop withdrawal, a prisoner exchange, and other conditions.
In Deir al-Balah, where many Palestinians have fled from Rafah, there is cautious optimism. “This proposal came late, but better late than never,” said Akram Abu Al-Hasan.
Analysts highlight that the current proposal’s main difference from previous ones is the readiness to stop the war for an indefinite period, allowing Israel the option to resume the conflict if necessary, said Michael Milshtein, head of the Palestinian Studies Forum at Tel Aviv University.
Gershon Baskin, director for the Middle East at the International Communities Organization, noted that Biden’s speech seemed to directly address the Israeli public, applying pressure on their government to accept the proposal.
Egyptian officials, along with representatives from the U.S. and Israel, plan to meet in Cairo over the weekend to discuss the Rafah crossing, a vital aid entry point closed since Israel took control of the Palestinian side in May. Egypt fears the closure may become permanent if it reopens its side.
Hamas’ October 7 attack resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and around 250 abductions. Israel’s offensive has led to over 36,370 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
