Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a ceasefire plan from the US President Joe Biden, calling it a “nonstarter” as his political allies threaten to collapse his government if he does.
In a rare snub to the United States, Mr Netanyahu has dismissed the White House suggestion for a proposed agreement to end the bloody conflict against the Hamas terrorists in Gaza.
It comes as thousands marched in Israel’s second city Tel-Aviv last night calling for the peace and the return of hostages taken by Hamas after the atrocities of the attack on October 7.
Police horses charged the crowds and some protesters were detained in scenes which show sections of the Israeli public are not happy with their government.
But Mr Netanyahu seems caught between the rock of mounting anger on the streets and the hard place his political hardliner allies,
Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir have both have warned they would break up the government if the Prime Minister takes the new US deal.
If they carry out their threat, it could spark new national elections, leaving Mr Netanyahu and his closest supporters open to scrutiny over security failures in the run up to the conflict with Hamas.
If he left office, Mr Netanyahu could also face prosecution over longstanding corruption charges.
Reacting to President Biden’s proposed ceasefire deal, Netanyahu said: “Israel’s conditions for ending the war have not changed: the destruction of Hamas’ military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.
“Under the proposal, Israel will continue to insist these conditions are met before a permanent cease-fire is put in place.”
In a separate statement, Netanyahu accepted an invitation from US congressional leaders to deliver an address at the Capitol, a show of support for Israel, but for which no date has been set.
The war in Gaza is entering its eighth month since a terrorist attack was launched from the territory by Hamas on October 7 into Israel, with militants killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians.
Of the 250 Israelis who were abducted during the attack, 100 remain held captive in Gaza, with the bodies of a further 30 still not returned.
More than 36,370 Palestinians have been killed in the Palestinian enclave during Israel’s offensive against Hamas, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The authority’s count doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants.
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