Netanyahu obstructs the Gaza ceasefire deal

Amos Hareil, a Haaretz newspaper military affairs analyst, wrote in an article: Hamas’s response to the American and Israeli proposal for a prisoner exchange deal shows some flexibility in the position of this movement, especially regarding The transition was between stages of this transaction. Hamas’ response created a positive atmosphere and made the senior officials of Israel’s security and military establishment hope that this time an agreement could be reached at least on the first phase of the deal. The Minister of War and the Chief of Staff of the Army also publicly supported this deal, but despite the visits of the Israeli delegation to Cairo and Doha this week, it seems that we cannot be optimistic about the realization of this deal. Especially, Netanyahu will probably postpone his answer about the prisoner exchange deal until after his speech in front of the US Congress on July 24, and then he will find a justification for withdrawing from the negotiations.

He added: Netanyahu has added new clauses to the ceasefire proposal, which seems to prevent any progress in the negotiations. Such as the clause preventing the return of troops to the north of Gaza, maintaining the presence of the Israeli army at the Netzarim crossing and maintaining the Philadelphia crossing, and resuming the war until the goals are achieved. This means, in effect, Netanyahu is saying that I am ready to stop the war, but only if you agree to guarantee our security control over key points in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, Hamas does not accept these demands.

This analyst said: On the other hand, since January, the main issue is Netanyahu’s reliance on his two partners, Internal Security Minister Itamarben Goyer and Finance Security Minister Betsleil Smotrich, who have said that they will resign from Netanyahu’s cabinet if Israel signs a deal with Hamas. The security guarantee that the Israeli opposition has given to Netanyahu to agree to the prisoner exchange deal is not acceptable to Netanyahu because it will work for a limited period and after that the request for holding early elections will be resumed. It seems that the main reason for introducing new conditions to this proposal is these issues.

Harail said: Netanyahu is a political magician and this can be understood from the long period of his rule and his staying in power despite the severe defeat that Israel suffered during his period. His problem is that he is no longer able to continue giving signature blank checks. Political creditors have surrounded him and are putting pressure.

Earlier, Zionist General Isaac Barik warned about the consequences of Netanyahu’s opposition to the prisoner exchange deal with Hamas and compared its effect to the impact of a nuclear bomb on Israel.

He said: These days are sensitive days and opposing the prisoner exchange deal this time will lead to their loss forever and the occurrence of a regional war.