Yes, we know Netanyahu wants stage 1 (only) which is why Hamas will not accept the deal. The permanent ceasefire remains the deal breaker.
Netanyahu says stage one of ceasefire proposal could happen: Report
Israeli media have quoted Netanyahu as saying the first phase of Biden’s ceasefire plan, entailing the release of captives by Hamas, could be undertaken before the terms of the next stages are fully agreed upon.
The quotes were leaked from a closed-door parliamentary meeting as Netanyahu faces pressure to accept the proposal and secure the release of the captives.
However, far-right ministers have threatened to quit his coalition government if a decision to end the war is taken.
Netanyahu says ‘destroying Hamas’ remains Israel’s top priority
Netanyahu says Israel’s top priority is “destroying” Hamas, which will be pursued along with the recovery of captives held in Gaza, saying that both goals are part of a plan to wind down the war approved by the war cabinet.
“This is not something that I am adding now. This is not something that I am adding because I am under pressure within the coalition. It is something we agreed on unanimously in the war cabinet,” Netanyahu said in a video statement.
An Israeli government spokesperson also quoted Netanyahu as saying Biden had published only some of the details of his ceasefire proposal. “The war will be stopped for the purpose of returning hostages, and then we will proceed with other discussions,” David Mencer quoted Netanyahu as saying.
Families of Israeli captives protest during far-right party meeting
Families of captives have crashed far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s weekly Otzma Yehudit party meeting, forcing him to move from his regular location.
Knesset security prevented the families from entering the new meeting location, which led to angry shouting that could be heard from outside the meeting room. The protesters chanted “Yes, to Netanyahu’s deal” during a sit-in in front of the meeting doors.
Gil Dickmann, whose cousin Carmel Gat is currently being held captive in Gaza, told the Times of Israel newspaper: “When he [Ben-Gvir] heard us, the families of the hostages, coming in, he decided to run away. It looks like he’s a coward. Maybe he’s got something to hide.”
Ben-Gvir has repeatedly said he, along with his party, will quit the coalition government if a ceasefire deal is agreed before Hamas is “destroyed”, despite calls from the families urging ministers to accept it.
Relatives of hostages were initially told they couldn’t enter the Otzma Yehudit faction meeting but after a fuss were told they can remain if they stay quiet pic.twitter.com/IUycW2KA4q
— Sam Sokol (@SamuelSokol) June 3, 2024
Israel’s Ben-Gvir accuses Netanyahu of ‘whitewashing’ ceasefire deal
Far-right Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir accused the Israeli leader of “whitewashing” a deal to wind down the war without defeating Hamas. Ben-Gvir told his parliamentary faction that Netanyahu invited him to read the proposal, but the premier’s aides twice failed to produce the document.
“This morning, I also went to the Prime Minister’s Office and there, once again, they refused to present the draft agreement to me,” said Ben-Gvir. “If you sign a reckless deal that will bring an end to the war without the collapse of Hamas, Otzma Yehudit [Ben-Gvir’s party] will dissolve the government.”
Ceasefire plan ‘designed to cement’ Israeli ‘victory’: Top US Democrat
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries hailed what he called the “peace plan” proposed by President Biden to end the war in Gaza.
“Hamas must never again threaten the people of Israel. In that regard, the proposed peace plan is designed to cement Israel’s comprehensive military victory, while also ending the war,” Jeffries said in a statement.
Hamas is still active throughout Gaza and has been attacking Israeli forces daily. Biden presented a proposal on Friday for an “enduring ceasefire” he said was approved by Israel. But Israeli leaders were quick to stress they won’t end the war without achieving the goal of “destroying” Hamas.
The discrepancy between the US and Israeli statements has sparked confusion. Still, Jeffries joined other US and Western politicians in calling on Hamas to accept the deal.
Statement on President Biden’s Middle East Peace Proposal: pic.twitter.com/RlBOhgh6t6
— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) June 3, 2024
It's a fucking mess this whole Biden's 'peace' plan.
