The Israeli government is facing accusations of attempting to sabotage a potential U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal in Gaza, according to Israeli media reports. The accusations arise from the introduction of new demands in ceasefire negotiations, despite initial agreements, leading to delays in talks with Hamas.
Hopes for a ceasefire had recently increased following reports that Hamas had provisionally approved a phased deal after nine months of conflict since the October 7 Hamas attacks. Egyptian officials and Hamas representatives indicated that the militant group had dropped a key demand: Israel’s commitment to definitively end the war before any pause in hostilities, according to reports from Reuters and the Associated Press. Two Hamas officials told Reuters they were now awaiting Israel’s response.
However, Israeli media reported that David Barnea, chief of Israel’s intelligence service Mossad, was dispatched to Qatar, where ceasefire talks are taking place, and presented new Israeli reservations. These changes have reportedly slowed the process, raising doubts about Hamas’s acceptance of the altered terms. According to the newspaper Haaretz, Israel’s new demands, introduced during a meeting last Friday, could delay negotiations by at least three weeks.
Mounting Criticism of Netanyahu’s Handling
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing sharp criticism from opposition parties, media, and the families of Israeli hostages, who accuse him of undermining efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza. Some believe Netanyahu is more focused on his political survival than on resolving the conflict, which has led to widespread frustration.
“We appeal to the heads of the security agencies and the negotiating team – all eyes are on you. Do not let Netanyahu sabotage the deal again. We must rescue all the hostages,” said family members of hostages during a press conference near Israel’s defense ministry in Tel Aviv on Saturday.
Netanyahu has been accused of repeatedly stalling negotiations in recent months, either through public statements, covert communications, or by limiting the negotiating team’s authority.
One key obstacle for Netanyahu is the influence of far-right ministers in his coalition government, such as Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, both of whom oppose a ceasefire. Smotrich, in a social media post, said he would not remain in a government that agreed to a ceasefire without eliminating Hamas. Similarly, Ben-Gvir has threatened to quit the coalition if a ceasefire is reached under current terms.
Hostage Release and New Demands
Netanyahu sent Barnea to Doha to assess the ceasefire proposal, but soon after, the Israeli leader issued a set of principles for any potential deal, which includes allowing Israel to resume military operations if necessary. These principles demand that Israel be allowed to continue its offensive until its war goals are met and that measures be put in place to prevent Hamas from rearming.
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This latest move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid, who warned that Netanyahu’s demands could derail the delicate ceasefire process. “What good does this do? We are at a crucial moment in the negotiations, the lives of the hostages depend on this. Why make such taunting announcements?” Lapid said.
Netanyahu’s popularity has plummeted since the October 7 attack, which revealed significant failures in Israeli security. His political future remains uncertain, and many observers believe he would lose in an election held today.
Escalating Tensions with Hezbollah
A ceasefire in Gaza could also de-escalate tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group that has been launching attacks in support of Hamas. On Sunday, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a rocket barrage on Israel’s Lower Galilee region, wounding one Israeli man. The group has signaled that it might halt its assaults if a Gaza ceasefire is reached.
Death Toll in Gaza
Meanwhile, violence continues in Gaza. Palestinian health officials reported that at least 15 people were killed in separate Israeli strikes across the territory on Sunday, underscoring the ongoing toll of the conflict.
The war was triggered on October 7 when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel from Gaza, killing 1,200 people and capturing around 250 hostages, leading to a retaliatory military offensive by Israel.
