U.S. President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have pressured Israel to accept a deal with Hamas terrorists that would result in Israel withdrawing from Gaza, staying out of the last Hamas stronghold in Rafah, and releasing convicted Palestinian terrorists in exchange for the release of a fraction of the remaining Israeli hostages. Under the proposed deal, Hamas would release 33 hostages while retaining the majority to trade for a permanent ceasefire.
Israeli politicians are divided on the deal, with left-wing protesters demanding Israel choose between winning the war and releasing hostages, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s conservative coalition partners have threatened to leave the government if the deal is accepted. Despite Netanyahu’s insistence on destroying Hamas’s military and governance capabilities, a shift in Israeli government spokesperson Raquel Karamson’s statement suggests a different approach.
The pressure on Israel to accept this deal comes from a variety of factors, including Hamas’s manipulation of Israeli public opinion through propaganda videos, the Israeli military’s mistakes in Gaza, and significant American pressure from the Biden administration. The Biden administration’s changing stance towards Israel, as well as its actions at the United Nations and criticisms of the Israel Defense Forces, have added to the strain on Israel’s position in the negotiations.
Despite some backing of aid for Israel, the White House has slowed down the passage of aid through Congress by linking it to other issues. Hamas has indicated that they may reject the current deal but will continue negotiations to secure more commitments from Israel.
Ultimately, Israel faces a difficult decision as it moves forward in negotiations with Hamas, with the risk of a defeat looming unless a different path is chosen.
