As Hamas prepares to make a decision on a proposed cease-fire and the release of over a hundred hostages in Gaza, Israel’s right-wing Cabinet finds itself at a breaking point. The accord, which will be discussed by Israel’s war Cabinet in an upcoming meeting, has the potential to tear apart the coalition, according to ministers, political analysts, and those close to the prime minister.
A Rift in Israeli Society
The conflict over the hostage deal exposes the deep divisions within Israeli society. It brings two contrasting visions of Israel into sharp focus: the commitment to never leave anyone behind and the determination to vanquish its enemies at any cost. David Makovsky, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, explains, “Where do you put the primacy in terms of those who say, look, if these hostages aren’t prioritized, they will die in captivity and that will be devastating for the Israeli public… The other side would say we’ve come this far to defeat Hamas, and if Israel withdraws before the job is done, Hamas will be emboldened to do more Oct. 7s.”
Historical Context
The 2011 release of Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier who was held captive by Hamas for over five years, looms over the current situation. In exchange for Shalit’s freedom, Israel released over a thousand Palestinian prisoners, including Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who later orchestrated the Oct. 7 attacks. This contentious history adds complexity to the debate at hand.
Challenging Dynamics
Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right minister of national security, has complicated matters further. His criticism of U.S. President Joe Biden and his inflammatory call for Israelis to resettle the Gaza Strip have isolated him from the Cabinet. While some suggest that Prime Minister Netanyahu currently needs Ben-Gvir’s support, it remains uncertain how long this alliance will last.
The Proposed Framework
The proposed deal’s framework, negotiated in Paris a week ago, entails a six-week pause in the fighting in Gaza. During this period, Israeli hostages in Gaza would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. However, the number of prisoners to be released for each hostage remains unspecified. Notably, Hamas insists on the freedom of Palestinian militant leaders Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Sa’adat, a condition that poses a significant political challenge for Netanyahu.
The Plight of the Hostages’ Families
The families of the hostages have been actively protesting for their release, causing public sentiment to favor a deal that would bring about a cease-fire. However, Israel’s right wing is concerned that a six-week truce would effectively end Israel’s fight against Hamas. Many believe that it would be difficult to regain the same level of combat strength after such a pause. Additionally, the failures and casualties incurred during the war have raised tough questions for Israelis. It has become increasingly apparent that a binary choice exists: destroy Hamas or bring the hostages home.
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Source link: NBC News