Two far-right Israeli ministers have issued threats to resign and potentially bring down Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition if he accepts a peace proposal put forth by US President Joe Biden. Biden recently unveiled a three-phase Israeli proposal aimed at resolving the conflict in Gaza, emphasizing the need for a full ceasefire and the release of hostages.
However, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir have vehemently rejected the idea of an immediate ceasefire, insisting on the complete destruction of Hamas and the return of all hostages before ending the war. Their stance has cast doubt on the likelihood of Israel accepting Biden's proposal.
In response to the proposed deal, Smotrich stated that he would not be part of a government that agrees to the outlined terms without achieving the desired security outcomes in Gaza and Lebanon. Ben Gvir also criticized the proposal, labeling it as reckless and a victory for terrorism.
While the plan has garnered support from international entities like the UN, Netanyahu has emphasized that Israel will not halt its military operations until all objectives, including the destruction of Hamas, are met. The Israeli Prime Minister faces pressure not only from within his coalition but also from protesters demanding his resignation and early elections.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has offered to support Netanyahu in accepting the peace proposal, condemning the far-right ministers' threats as detrimental to national security and the well-being of Israeli citizens.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began with Hamas attacks on Israeli civilians in October, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. As international calls for an end to the war grow louder, the future of the peace proposal and Israel's military campaign in Gaza remains uncertain.
