Netanyahu Faces Intense Internal and International Pressure Amidst Ambiguous Proposal

In a suprise speach delivered on the eve of Sabbath in Israel, U.S. President Joe Biden urged Israeli and Hamas leaders to return to the negotiating table, emphasizing the necessity of a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, finds himself navigating a precarious balance between internal pressures and international demands.

“Peace must be our ultimate goal,” Biden stated firmly. “But it cannot come at the expense of Israel’s security or the well-being of the Palestinian people. We urge both sides to engage in meaningful dialogue.” But there is clear evidence that the US President was “fudging the facts” of the Israeli proposal to facilitate and elusive Hamas buy-in, implying there would be intense US pressure to ensure that the fighting would not resume, even with Hamas power battered but surviving.

Netanyahu, facing significant opposition both domestically and internationally, responded cautiously. “Israel will not compromise on its fundamental security needs,” he declared. “Any proposal must guarantee the complete dismantling of Hamas’ military capabilities.” Despite the strong words, the Israeli proposal currently on the table does not ensure the fulfillment of all these war goals.

Internally, Netanyahu is under immense pressure from his political base, rightist parties, and military officials to maintain a hardline stance. “We cannot afford to show weakness,” an anonymous senior IDF officer remarked. “Our operations have been effective, but Hamas remains a potent threat. Any ceasefire must not allow them to regroup and rearm.”

Netanyahu’s bet is a high wire, calculated risk. He is wagering that either Hamas will outright reject the proposal, giving Israel further justification for its continued military campaign, or that the proposal will fail to meet Israel’s stringent conditions, allowing him to blame Hamas for the collapse of negotiations. “We are prepared for all scenarios,” Netanyahu asserted. “But we will not be cornered into an unfavorable position.”

Complicating matters, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has been criticized for his handling of the conflict. Reports have surfaced that Netanyahu is considering replacing Gallant with Avigdor Lieberman, a hardliner who has previously held the post. “Leadership changes could bring a more aggressive stance,” noted a political commentator from Yedioth Ahronoth. “Lieberman is known for his tough approach, which could escalate the conflict further.”

At the same time, Mamlachti party leader Benny Gantz has been making moves, calling for a united front but also subtly positioning himself as a potential alternative to Netanyahu’s leadership. “Israel needs a stable and strategic approach, not political games,” Gantz said in a recent interview. “Our priority should be the security and well-being of our citizens.”

Netanyahu’s principled stance has kept him high in the polls, a position he risks endangering if he caves to U.S. pressure. “The Israeli public values strong leadership,” a Likud party insider commented. “Backing down now could be seen as a sign of weakness, and Bibi knows it.”

It may not have been a coincidence that an invitation to address the US Congress for an unprecedented fourth time arrived the same day as the Biden speech. This could be a risk for Biden too if Netanyahu is not brought to heel.

Meanwhile, international dynamics add further complexity. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has indicated that it is closely monitoring the situation, with potential war crimes investigations looming over Israeli actions in Gaza. “The ICC’s involvement is a significant concern,” admitted an Israeli legal expert. “It could limit our military options and place additional international pressure on Netanyahu.”

Additionally, threats from Lebanon and Iran remain ever-present. Hezbollah in Lebanon has increased its rhetoric and military preparedness, posing a potential northern front for Israel. “We cannot ignore the threat from Hezbollah,” warned an IDF general. “Our forces must remain vigilant on all fronts.”

Iran’s influence in the region continues to be a destabilizing factor, with ongoing support for Hamas and other militant groups. “Iran’s role in fueling this conflict is undeniable,” Netanyahu stated. “We must address the broader regional threat, not just the immediate crisis in Gaza.”