Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has rejected President Biden's ceasefire proposal, stating that Hamas's military and governing capabilities must be eliminated before a permanent ceasefire can be implemented. The Biden administration maintains that the plan, which includes a prisoner exchange and the rebuilding of Gaza, is consistent with Israel's demands. However, critics argue that it legitimizes Hamas's demands and could jeopardize Israeli security.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has issued a statement refuting President Biden's ceasefire proposal for Gaza, emphasizing that Israel's conditions for ending the conflict remain unchanged. These conditions include the dismantling of Hamas's military and governing apparatus, the release of all Israeli hostages, and the elimination of the threat posed by Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu's office has dismissed the notion of ending the ceasefire before these conditions are met.
In a speech from the White House, President Biden outlined a three-phase plan for a permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages. Phase one involves a full ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza, and the release of a number of hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and the return of Gaza's civilians to their homes.
Phase two entails the release of all remaining hostages, including Israeli soldiers, followed by a permanent ceasefire. Phase three involves the extensive reconstruction of Gaza, which has been heavily damaged by eight months of fighting.
Biden's proposal has drawn criticism from various quarters. Former Trump National Security Council staff member and FDD senior advisor Richard Goldberg contends that Biden has repackaged a Hamas proposal as a US-endorsed Israeli proposal, potentially making an Israeli surrender to Hamas more palatable to Israelis.
Other critics argue that the plan legitimizes Hamas's demands and undermines Israeli security. They question whether the release of high-profile Hamas operatives in exchange for hostages would encourage future hostage-taking. Additionally, they express concern that the rebuilding of Gaza could provide Hamas with an opportunity to rearm and resume its attacks on Israel.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has urged the government to give Biden's proposal serious consideration. He argues that Israel cannot ignore such an important speech and reminds Prime Minister Netanyahu that the opposition provides a "safety net" for him to strike a deal, even if hardline ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Betzalel Smotrich oppose it.
In a separate development, the Israeli military has announced that it has taken control of the "Philadelphi Corridor," a strip of land along the border between Gaza and Egypt. This move aims to weaken Hamas by cutting off its access to tunnels used for smuggling weapons and ammunition. It represents another setback for Hamas's governing capabilities, which have been steadily diminishing throughout the eight-month conflict.
Hamas has responded positively to Biden's proposal, expressing support for his call for a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, reconstruction, and an exchange of prisoners.
A spokesperson for the National Security Council (NSC) has confirmed that Biden's plan is consistent with the plan previously approved by Netanyahu's government.
Biden's speech caught many in Israel by surprise, given that it was delivered during the Jewish Sabbath, when many observant Israelis refrain from using phones and television. Israeli news commentators have questioned whether Netanyahu's office was notified of the president's address beforehand.
There has also been confusion about whether Biden was presenting the same plan as Netanyahu's government or a modified version. The NSC spokesperson maintains that it is the same plan.
Family members of Americans taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7 attacks in Israel have met with President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the White House. They expressed their concerns about the safety of their loved ones and urged the administration to work towards their release.
