Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has found himself at a critical juncture as the Gaza conflict drags on. Six months into the war, Netanyahu was considering halting hostilities. According to insider reports, negotiations were beginning for an extended cease-fire with Hamas, a plan he aimed to keep from his cabinet to avoid dissent among resistant ministers.
In April 2024, Netanyahu's unspoken proposal, poised to pause the war for at least six weeks, promised the release of over 30 hostages taken by Hamas and a potential pathway to peace discussions, particularly with Saudi Arabia. This monumental peace deal, which had become elusive for Israeli leaders over decades, rested on the condition that the fighting ceased. However, Netanyahu's coalition relied heavily on far-right factions intent on occupying Gaza rather than withdrawing.
Such a truce posed risks for Netanyahu's political survival. As polls indicated potential losses in early elections, his position was threatened. Compounding this was an ongoing corruption trial against him. In a tense cabinet meeting, when details of the potential agreement surfaced, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned that any perceived concession could jeopardize the government. His ominous proclamation that Netanyahu would "no longer have a government" reflects the delicate balance the Prime Minister has had to maintain to stay in power while grappling with the grim realities of the ongoing conflict.
In April 2024, Netanyahu's unspoken proposal, poised to pause the war for at least six weeks, promised the release of over 30 hostages taken by Hamas and a potential pathway to peace discussions, particularly with Saudi Arabia. This monumental peace deal, which had become elusive for Israeli leaders over decades, rested on the condition that the fighting ceased. However, Netanyahu's coalition relied heavily on far-right factions intent on occupying Gaza rather than withdrawing.
Such a truce posed risks for Netanyahu's political survival. As polls indicated potential losses in early elections, his position was threatened. Compounding this was an ongoing corruption trial against him. In a tense cabinet meeting, when details of the potential agreement surfaced, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned that any perceived concession could jeopardize the government. His ominous proclamation that Netanyahu would "no longer have a government" reflects the delicate balance the Prime Minister has had to maintain to stay in power while grappling with the grim realities of the ongoing conflict.
