Netanyahu Walks Back Support for US-Backed Gaza Cease-fire Proposal

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Facts

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that he sought a 'partial deal' with Hamas that will free 'some of the hostages' held in Gaza but allow Israel to continue the war, contradicting a proposal announced by US Pres. Joe Biden last month.¹
• However, on Monday, Netanyahu said, 'We are committed to the Israeli proposal, which President Biden has welcomed. Our position has not changed,' though he did iterate that Israel will not end the war until it eliminates Hamas.²
• Since Biden announced the proposal, US officials have insisted that Israel had agreed to the proposal, which included an eventual permanent cease-fire if each phase of the agreement was completed. Israeli officials refrained from publicly endorsing it fully.³
• In response, Hamas said, 'Netanyahu's position regarding his desire for a partial agreement in which only some of the hostages will be released shows that he opposes the UN Security Council resolution and President Biden's speech.'¹
• Netanyahu also said on Sunday that the war in Gaza was winding down which would allow Israel to send more troops to the north for a potential confrontation with Hezbollah, as border clashes between the two have intensified in recent weeks.⁴
• Netanyahu said he hoped a diplomatic solution could be found but vowed to solve the problem 'in a different way' if needed, adding that Israel was capable of fighting on multiple fronts. Israel wants Hezbollah to withdraw from the border, while Hezbollah said it will keep fighting until there is a cease-fire in Gaza.⁴

Sources: ¹Axios (a), ²Axios (b), ³Al Jazeera and ⁴Associated Press.

Narratives

• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Ft. A guaranteed end to the war will ensure increased humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, preserve Israel's security, and create a better 'day after' in Gaza without Hamas in power. It is unfortunate that Hamas did not respond with a resounding 'yes' to this thoughtful proposal, but the US will continue to work toward closing the gaps.
• Pro-Israel narrative, as provided by Jerusalem Post. The only party standing in the way of a cease-fire in Gaza is Hamas. Israel has gone out of its way to make concessions, but it simply cannot allow Hamas to continue its rule in Gaza, as it would immediately begin planning the next Oct. 7 terrorist attack. Israel appreciates US support, but Israel will do what it has to do to defend its citizens against these existential threats.
• Pro-Palestine narrative, as provided by Middle East Eye. It should be clear after almost eight months of grinding brutality that Israel's true goal is to destroy Gaza and starve its people. Israel is simply not interested in committing to a permanent cease-fire, as Israeli officials have made clear that once the hostages are returned they will restart the war. Indeed, the US, aware of Israel's intransigence, refuses to do what is necessary to end the war.
• 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