Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu dismisses President Biden’s Gaza ceasefire drive as ‘a non-starter’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday appeared to pour cold water on a three-point plan to end the war in Gaza, less than 24 hours after Joe Biden unveiled it.
Mr Netanyahu appeared to dismiss the permanent ceasefire proposal as “a non-starter”, despite Mr Biden revealing that the plan originated in Israel. Hamas has responded positively to the proposal.
Mr Netanyahu wrote on .
“Under the proposal, Israel will continue to insist that these conditions are met before a permanent ceasefire is imposed.
Mr Netanyahu appeared to dismiss the permanent ceasefire proposal as “a non-starter”, despite Mr Biden revealing that the plan originated in Israel. Hamas has responded positively to the proposal
If the talks last longer, the ceasefire would last as long as it takes to reach an agreement. In the photo: Palestinian children sit near a destroyed house in the southern Gaza Strip
The idea that Israel will agree to a permanent ceasefire before these conditions are met is a non-starter.”
It is believed that the Israeli Prime Minister’s statement yesterday was made to appease hardliners such as Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir within his government, who have threatened to topple the government if Hamas is not completely destroyed.
Experts say the Israeli leader has not said an outright ‘no’ to the deal, but wants to make it on his terms.
Yesterday, Mr Biden said: ‘I know there are people in Israel who will disagree with this plan and will call for the war to continue indefinitely. Some are even in the governing coalition.’
The new three-phase deal that Biden supports would include a six-week ceasefire while the two sides negotiate a permanent end to the fighting.
The new three-phase deal that Mr Biden (pictured) is backing would include a six-week ceasefire while the two sides negotiate a permanent end to the fighting.
If the talks last longer, the ceasefire would last as long as it takes to reach an agreement.
The second phase would involve Hamas handing over all remaining hostages and Israel withdrawing all troops from Gaza.
Biden said the third and final phase would see “a major reconstruction plan” for civilian areas in Gaza.
The hostages’ families urged the Netanyahu government to accept the deal.
Gili Roman, whose sister, Yarden Roman-Gat, was released in November, said: “This could be the last chance to save lives.”
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Netanyahu to accept the deal. He said: ‘There is a deal on the table and it needs to be done.’