Far-right Israeli ministers oppose ceasefire proposal to Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing intense pressure from the most conservative factions within his coalition to reject the current ceasefire proposal. This proposal is part of negotiations facilitated by Egypt and could potentially halt an impending Israeli military operation in Rafah.

Hamas is considering an Egyptian-brokered proposal that might allow for the release of up to 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has lasted nearly seven months. This information comes from an Israeli source familiar with the negotiations.

Despite this, Orit Strook, Israel’s Minister of Settlements from the far-right Religious Zionism party, has vehemently criticized the proposal. She argues that agreeing to the deal would negate the sacrifices made by Israeli soldiers and the military gains thus far. She expressed these views on Israel’s Army Radio (GLZ), stating that a government that would agree to such terms after mobilizing a large number of reservists does not deserve to govern.

Netanyahu is considering whether to proceed with a military push into Rafah, a strategic location in southern Gaza that has become a refuge for over a million displaced Palestinians and a new base for Hamas following extensive Israeli military action in northern Gaza.

Meanwhile, prominent figures in Netanyahu’s coalition, like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, both of whom hold far-right views, have publicly opposed the ceasefire. They argue that accepting it would symbolize a defeat and a concession to Hamas.

Amidst this political pressure, there is considerable public demand for a resolution that brings the hostages home safely. Families of the hostages have been actively protesting, blocking major highways in Tel Aviv to voice their urgency for the government to prioritize the lives of the hostages.

The situation remains tense with Netanyahu caught between coalition pressures to continue military operations and public cries for the safe return of Israeli hostages.