Two far-right Israeli ministers threaten to topple the government if it accepts Biden peace plan
An aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that Israel has accepted a U.S.-proposed framework to wind down the Gaza war, despite significant internal opposition and ongoing negotiations.
In an interview with Britain’s Sunday Times, Ophir Falk, chief foreign policy advisor to Netanyahu, stated that President Joe Biden’s proposal was “a deal we agreed to — it’s not a good deal but we dearly want the hostages released, all of them.” Falk emphasized the necessity for further discussions, noting, “There are a lot of details to be worked out,” and reaffirmed Israel’s conditions for “the release of the hostages and the destruction of Hamas as a genocidal terrorist organisation.”
Biden’s three-phase plan, revealed last Friday, starts with a truce and the return of some hostages held by Hamas, followed by negotiations for an open-ended cessation of hostilities, and ultimately the release of all captives. The plan involves mediation by Egypt and Qatar, potentially clashing with Israel’s aim to eliminate Hamas entirely.
Despite previous failed ceasefire attempts, Biden remains optimistic. “It’s time for this war to end,” he said, indicating his belief that Israel’s war objectives have been largely met.
However, Israeli internal politics complicate the acceptance of this plan. Two far-right ministers, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have threatened to resign and collapse the government if Netanyahu moves forward with Biden’s plan. Smotrich asserted on social media, “I will not be part of a government that agrees to the proposed outline and ends the war without destroying Hamas and returning all the hostages.” Similarly, Ben Gvir described the plan as “reckless” and “a victory for terrorism.”
Netanyahu faces a delicate balancing act within his coalition, with ex-general Benny Gantz, a centrist partner, supporting the consideration of the deal. Amidst this, Hamas has cautiously welcomed the Biden initiative. “Biden’s speech included positive ideas, but we want this to materialize within the framework of a comprehensive agreement that meets our demands,” said senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan.
International pressure on Israel is mounting, with the UN and other global powers urging both sides to accept the proposal. The ongoing conflict, sparked by Hamas attacks on October 7, has resulted in over 1,200 Israeli and more than 36,000 Palestinian deaths, with substantial casualties on both sides.
Netanyahu’s government faces significant internal dissent and external scrutiny. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has offered support for accepting the proposal, criticizing Smotrich and Ben Gvir’s stance as detrimental to national security. “This is the worst and most reckless government in the country’s history,” he said.
As the war approaches its ninth month, Netanyahu’s administration is under intense pressure to find a resolution, balancing internal political dynamics and international calls for peace.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
