Reports have revealed three promises that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aims to fulfill. According to the reports, Netanyahu stated in a Knesset session, "I promise you three things: First, we will not end the war before recovering all the hostages, the 120, whether they are alive or dead. We are committed to the Israeli proposal that President Joe Biden endorsed; our position has not changed. Second, which does not contradict the first point, we will not end the war before eradicating Hamas and until we bring the residents of the north and south back to their homes. Third, at any cost and by any means, we will thwart Iran's intentions to annihilate us."
He added that "once the operations in Rafah conclude, this will allow Israel to deploy more forces along the front with Hezbollah for defensive purposes, and also to return the displaced residents to their homes."
Netanyahu's comments sharply contrast with the outlines of the agreement announced by U.S. President Joe Biden late last month, which was presented as an Israeli proposal and is referred to by some in Israel as the "Netanyahu Deal." The feasibility of Biden's proposal to end the ongoing war in Gaza for over eight months has come into question after Netanyahu previously indicated he would only be willing to agree to a "partial" ceasefire that does not end the war, remarks that stirred outrage among families of the hostages held by Hamas.
In this context, former adviser in the Israeli Defense Ministry Alon Avitar said in a media interview that "Netanyahu supports Biden's proposal and is sure that Hamas will not make any substantial concessions regarding the terms of the deal. What he announced is an attempt to absolve Israel of responsibility concerning freezing the implementation of the deal."
He added that "the Prime Minister is trying to convince the White House of a new starting point from Israel's perspective, thereby increasing political pressure on Hamas leadership. I believe there is coordination between Netanyahu and Gallant to reach an acceptable solution with the Americans while there is a difference in approach."
For his part, journalist Yoav Stern noted that "Netanyahu, in his interview with Israeli Channel 14, meant that he is ready for the partial deal, meaning the first step of Biden's plan." He explained that "the first step talks about the release of 33 Israeli hostages, and after that, there should be negotiations between the two parties because Netanyahu believes these negotiations will fail, and thus Israel will return to battle."
He continued, "I don't think what Netanyahu said reflects a change in his positions; however, he describes things based on the audience he is addressing." He pointed out that "Hamas is a notion in the hearts and minds, and the idea cannot be eradicated. Netanyahu hurried to correct the equation and stated that he wants to eliminate Hamas's capabilities. Netanyahu does not want a deal because it does not serve him politically; he wants to remain in power."
He emphasized that "what Netanyahu is doing is far from the public interest and is merely a party and personal interest, and Hamas's ongoing refusal to accept Biden's plan exempts Netanyahu from accountability in Washington," asserting that "up to this moment, I don't think the disagreement with Washington is very significant."
