Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared yesterday to pour cold water on a three-point plan to end the war in Gaza less than 24 hours after Joe Biden revealed it.
Netanyahu appeared to dismiss the permanent ceasefire proposal as “a failure” even though Biden revealed that the plan had originated in Israel. Hamas reacted positively to the proposal.
Netanyahu wrote on for Israel.
‘Under the proposal, Israel will continue to insist that these conditions be met before a permanent ceasefire is established.
Netanyahu appeared to dismiss the permanent ceasefire proposal as “a failure” even though Biden revealed that the plan had originated in Israel. Hamas reacted positively to the proposal.
If talks are prolonged, the ceasefire would continue for as long as it takes to reach an agreement. Pictured: Palestinian children sitting near a destroyed house in the southern Gaza Strip.
The idea that Israel will agree to a permanent ceasefire before these conditions are met is impossible.’
It is believed that the Israeli Prime Minister’s statement yesterday may have been made to placate hardliners such as Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir within his government, who have threatened to overthrow the administration if Hamas is not completely destroyed.
Experts said the Israeli leader has not said an outright “no” to the deal, but wants to close it on his terms.
Yesterday, Mr Biden said: ‘I know there are those in Israel who will not agree with this plan and will call for the war to continue indefinitely. Some are even in the government coalition.’
The new three-phase agreement that Biden supports would mean a six-week ceasefire while the two sides negotiate a permanent end to the fighting.
The new three-phase deal backed by Biden (pictured) would mean a six-week ceasefire while the two sides negotiate a permanent end to the fighting.
If talks are prolonged, the ceasefire would continue for as long as it takes to reach an agreement.
The second phase would involve Hamas handing over all remaining hostages and Israel withdrawing all forces from Gaza.
Biden said the third and final stage would see “a major reconstruction plan” for civilian areas of Gaza.
The hostages’ families urged Netanyahu’s government to accept the deal.
Gili Roman, whose sister, Yarden Roman-Gat, was freed in November, said: “This could be the last chance to save lives.”
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Netanyahu to accept the deal. He said: “There is a deal on the table and it should be done.”