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Netanyahu caught in a vice: domestic and international pressure

Political crisis in Israel around the Gaza ceasefire. Truce agreement and hostage exchange raises tensions in Netanyahu government

The ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages seems increasingly uncertain. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of trying to renegotiate the terms of the agreement brokered by the US and Qatar, delaying its ratification. According to Netanyahu, the Palestinian movement is trying to change the list of Palestinian prisoners to be freed in exchange for hostages.

Hamas, however, rejects all accusations and reiterates its commitment to respect the agreement. The tension has forced the Israeli government to postpone the security cabinet meeting, pending final confirmation from the international mediators.

Discontent in the Israeli right wing

Netanyahu’s difficulties are not limited to Hamas. Within his coalition, members of the extreme right, such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, sharply criticised the agreement.

Smotrich called the agreement ‘dangerous and wrong’ and demanded guarantees that Israel would resume military operations immediately after the first phase of the ceasefire. The Religious Zionism party, of which he is leader, has threatened to withdraw its support for the government, putting Netanyahu’s majority in the Knesset at risk.

Possible political scenarios

Netanyahu now faces a double challenge: maintaining the cohesion of his majority and managing the reactions of public opinion, which would not tolerate a failure of the agreement. Internationally, too, the pressure is strong: Donald Trump, who has returned to the White House, has indicated the Gaza crisis as a priority in his new mandate.

The possible collapse of the agreement would risk further souring relations between Netanyahu and the US administration, already complicated by differences on other strategic issues.

Netanyahu’s political future appears increasingly uncertain, between internal coalition tears and external pressures. Whatever the outcome of the agreement with Hamas, the PM will face significant consequences for his leadership and the stability of the government.

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