Israel-Gaza War
Two Israeli Ministers Threaten to Topple Government if It Accepts Biden Peace Plan
Biden unveiled on Friday what he said was a three-phase Israeli proposal
Two Israeli ministers have issued a stark ultimatum to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, threatening to resign and dismantle the governing coalition if he agrees to a ceasefire proposal unveiled by U.S. President Joe Biden. The proposal, which aims to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza, has sparked significant political turmoil within Israel's government.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, both prominent figures in Netanyahu's coalition, have vehemently opposed the peace plan. They argue that the proposal, which includes a six-week ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from populated areas in Gaza, would undermine Israel's security and fail to achieve the primary objective of destroying Hamas.
Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionism party, has made it clear that he will not continue to serve in a government that agrees to the proposed outline. He insists that the war must continue until Hamas is completely dismantled and all hostages are returned. Ben-Gvir, head of the Otzma Yehudit party, echoed these sentiments, describing the deal as "reckless" and a "victory for terrorism." He warned that accepting the proposal would pose a significant security risk to Israel and vowed to dissolve the government if the plan is implemented.
The ceasefire proposal, presented by President Biden on Friday, outlines a three-phase plan to end the conflict. The first phase involves a six-week truce, during which the IDF would withdraw from densely populated areas in Gaza. This would be followed by an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners and a surge in humanitarian aid to the embattled territory. The final phase aims for a permanent cessation of hostilities and a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, supported by international assistance.
Despite the international support for the plan, including endorsements from the United Nations and several of Israel's allies, Netanyahu has expressed reservations. He has reiterated that any ceasefire must be contingent on the complete destruction of Hamas's military and governing capabilities. Netanyahu's stance has been met with both support and opposition within his government.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid has offered to back Netanyahu if he supports the ceasefire proposal, providing a political safety net to ensure the government does not collapse. Lapid's Yesh Atid party holds 24 seats in the Knesset, and his support could be crucial in maintaining the coalition's stability. Lapid has criticized the far-right ministers for their threats, accusing them of neglecting national security and the welfare of the hostages.
Benny Gantz, Netanyahu's main rival and a member of the war cabinet, has also endorsed the proposal and urged his colleagues to discuss the next steps. Gantz has previously threatened to leave the cabinet if no peace plan for Gaza is agreed upon by June 8. His support for the proposal adds another layer of complexity to the political dynamics within the Israeli government.
The situation has also sparked significant public outcry. Large demonstrations have taken place in Israel, with protesters calling on the government to accept the ceasefire deal and prioritize the return of the hostages. The Hostages Families Forum, an Israeli organization advocating for the release of hostages, has urged members of the Knesset to accept the deal, emphasizing the urgent need to bring the hostages home.
The conflict in Gaza, which began on October 7 with a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Over 36,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Palestinian health authorities, while more than 1,200 Israelis have lost their lives. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with widespread starvation and destruction of infrastructure.
As the political drama unfolds, the future of the ceasefire proposal remains uncertain. Netanyahu faces mounting pressure from both his coalition partners and the international community to make a decisive move. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the Israeli government can navigate this complex political landscape and take steps towards ending the conflict in Gaza.
