During a recent appearance at the White House alongside former President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared subdued despite announcing a peace agreement. His comments included praise for Trump, whom he referred to as “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House.” However, this partnership has potential implications for Netanyahu’s government stability.
Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners have expressed that they may withdraw their support if he concedes too much in ongoing negotiations to end the conflict. Figures like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have been vocal about their intentions to annex Gaza and resist any role for the Palestinian Authority in the region. The recent agreement from Netanyahu includes provisions for both, albeit with significant conditions.
Trump’s push for this agreement raises questions about the impact on Netanyahu’s political future. He is reportedly facing corruption charges that might have influenced his decision to cling to power. Signs suggest that Netanyahu has not fully embraced the proposed deal, publicly affirming he did not agree to a Palestinian state and asserting Israel’s right to resist its establishment.
Speculation also indicates that Israel’s cabinet might only vote on specific terms of the deal, such as the exchange of hostages, rather than the full agreement. Observers are questioning whether Netanyahu is attempting to hold his government together long enough to enhance his position in upcoming polls, particularly as current forecasts predict electoral defeat for him.
Additionally, Netanyahu’s commitment to continued military action against Hamas, should the latter not comply, raises further questions about his strategy. Historically noted for his political maneuvering, he has previously shifted positions during negotiations. This new deal could be seen as a significant reversal for a leader who has long resisted concessions to Palestinian authorities. The contrasting approaches from Trump and Biden regarding similar deals further complicate the context of Netanyahu’s situation.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0jq63edv21o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss