Video: Netanyahu under pressure at home after Biden’s Gaza proposal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing increasing pressure after U.S. President Joe Biden announced a proposed agreement to end the fighting in Gaza. While many Israelis urge Netanyahu to accept the deal, his far-right allies threaten to collapse his government if he does.

Netanyahu dismissed the idea of a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, stating it is a “nonstarter” until long-standing conditions are met, which seemingly contradicts Biden’s proposal described as an Israeli initiative.

On Saturday night, a large demonstration in Israel, led by families of hostages held by Hamas, called on the government to take action. Mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar urged Israel and Hamas to agree to the proposed deal, which aims to provide immediate relief to hostages and Gaza residents and offers a roadmap for a permanent cease-fire.

However, far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir threatened to leave the government if it accepts the deal. This could force Netanyahu into new elections, increasing scrutiny over the security failures that led to the war and potentially jeopardizing his position, which could lead to prosecution on longstanding corruption charges.

Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s conditions for ending the war: destroying Hamas’ military and governing capabilities, freeing all hostages, and ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. He stated that Israel would continue to insist on these conditions before agreeing to a permanent cease-fire.

Separately, Netanyahu accepted an invitation from U.S. congressional leaders to address the Capitol, a move showing support for Israel despite the U.S. showing signs of frustration. No date has been set for this address.

On Friday, Biden claimed that Hamas militants are no longer capable of launching a large-scale attack like the one on October 7. He urged Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement to release the remaining hostages and recover the bodies of the deceased for an extended cease-fire.

Negotiations for a deal stalled last month as mediators tried to prevent a full-scale Israeli invasion of Gaza’s southern city of Rafah. Israel says the Rafah operation is essential to eliminate remaining Hamas forces, even as militants regroup elsewhere.

On Friday, Israel confirmed its troops were operating in central Rafah. About 1 million Palestinians have fled Rafah, and the U.N. World Food Program described the living conditions as “horrific and apocalyptic” due to growing hunger.

Hostage families warned that time was running out. Gili Roman, whose sister was freed during a cease-fire in November, emphasized the urgency. Families criticized the government’s lack of action, saying it has delayed reaching a deal, costing lives.

The proposed deal’s first phase, described by Biden, includes a six-week cease-fire, Israeli troop withdrawal from populated Gaza areas, and the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The second phase involves the release of all remaining hostages and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The third phase focuses on major reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

Biden acknowledged the challenges in maintaining the proposal and negotiating details from the first to the second phase. He noted that if Hamas fails to comply, Israel can resume military operations.

Hamas responded positively to the proposal but called for Israel’s explicit commitment to a permanent cease-fire, complete troop withdrawal, and a prisoner exchange.

In Deir al-Balah, where many Palestinians have sought refuge, there was cautious optimism. Akram Abu Al-Hasan remarked, “This proposal came late, but better late than never.”

Analysts noted that the main difference in this proposal is the willingness to stop the war indefinitely, giving Israel the option to renew it later if necessary. Gershon Baskin from the International Communities Organization suggested that Biden’s speech was an attempt to pressure the Israeli government by appealing directly to the Israeli people.

Additionally, Egyptian, U.S., and Israeli officials planned 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 has kept its side closed, fearing permanent Israeli control.

Israel reported that the October 7 attack by Hamas resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and about 250 captives. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 36,370 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israel’s offensive.