Netanyahu Denies Claims Israel's Military Wants Cease-fire

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Facts

  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a report by the New York Times suggesting that Israel's military fully supports a hostage deal and a cease-fire that would, at least temporarily, leave Hamas in power in Gaza. He reiterated that the war won't end until Hamas is destroyed.1
  • The report, published Tuesday, cited six current and former security officials to posit that a cease-fire would be the best way to return the hostages held in Gaza and prepare for a possible war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, adding that a deal with Hamas would make it easier to reach a deal with Hezbollah.2
  • Former Israeli National Security Adviser Eyal Hulata, who reportedly corresponds with senior military officials, claimed that the military believed it could 'always go back and engage Hamas militarily in the future.'2
  • In response, Israel's military said that it's 'pursuing the destruction of Hamas' military and governing capabilities, the return of the hostages, and the return of Israeli civilians from the south and the north safely to their homes.'3
  • Last month, military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari expressed doubt that Israel could fully destroy Hamas, stating that, without an alternative, Hamas would remain in Gaza. He also noted that Hamas was an 'idea' that couldn't be eliminated.4
  • Cease-fire negotiations have repeatedly stalled, and little progress has been made in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Hezbollah's deputy leader, Sheikh Naim Kassem, has said that the group would stop fighting 'without any discussion' if a cease-fire was reached in Gaza.5

Sources: 1CNN, 2New York Times, 3Jewish News, 4Timesofisrael and 5Associated Press.

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by New York Times. Israel must be able to defend itself from terrorist attacks from Gaza or elsewhere, and the US is committed to preventing malicious actors from threatening Israel's legitimate concerns. However, the Biden administration is losing its patience with Netanyahu's intransigence. Netanyahu must be willing to work with Israel's allies to find a productive resolution to this conflict.
  • Pro-Israel narrative, as provided by Jerusalem Post. Hamas can't stay in power in Gaza, and Israel must continue fighting the good fight. Indeed, If Israel doesn't destroy Hamas, the terrorist group will immediately begin planning the next Oct. 7 attack. Though there are pressures at home and abroad to end the war prematurely, Israel must get the hostages back and eliminate Hamas.
  • Pro-Palestine narrative, as provided by Al Jazeera. After almost nine months of non-stop brutality, the situation in Gaza continues to worsen. The US has failed to reel Netanyahu in, and over 35K Palestinians are dead because of it. Israeli crimes keep stacking up, yet the international community and the US refuse to do anything meaningful to stop the carnage.
  • Narrative D, as provided by Al Mayadeen English. Hezbollah and the regional resistance continue to demonstrate their military capabilities. Ultimately, the resistance's primary goal is to end the war in Gaza, not start a far larger regional conflict. However, Israel's genocidal actions and constant threats may indicate that a larger war is coming. Indeed, Hezbollah is ready to defend Lebanon.

Predictions