Responses from members of Israel’s ruling coalition on Saturday highlighted that U.S. President Joe Biden falsely informed the public by asserting that a suggestion for a ceasefire and hostage exchange originated from the Israeli government.
Israel has now offered a roadmap to an enduring ceasefire – and the release of all the hostages.
Yesterday, this proposal was transmitted by Qatar to Hamas.
Today, I want to lay out its terms for the world. pic.twitter.com/0cdypBP9wb
— President Biden (@POTUS) May 31, 2024
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released two statements clarifying that Biden’s proposal did not stem from Israel. Former President Barack Obama revealed that the proposal was, in fact, Biden’s and not Israel’s.
Hamas, however, responded positively to the proposal as it would ensure the survival of the organization.
At the conclusion of the Sabbath, two right-wing parties within Netanyahu’s coalition criticized the deal, stating they would not support any government that permitted Hamas to endure the conflict or agree to a deal facilitating this outcome.
Biden’s objective seemed to be to pressure Israel into accepting a deal favored by Hamas, complicating Israel’s potential refusal.
Instead of acknowledging the proposal as his own, he framed it as if it had Israeli origins, thereby risking trust between Netanyahu and the right-wing factions in his coalition, potentially destabilizing the Israeli government.
