Is Netanyahu an Obstacle to a Ceasefire Deal Between Israel and Hamas?
Sep 6, 2024
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Anshel Pfeffer, a correspondent for The Economist and the author of Benjamin Netanyahu's biography, dives into the recent turmoil in Israel. He examines the public outrage following the tragic death of hostages and the mounting protests demanding a ceasefire with Hamas. Pfeffer analyzes how Netanyahu's leadership is being questioned as dissatisfaction grows among citizens regarding his approach to security and negotiation. This candid discussion sheds light on the political uncertainty gripping the nation.
Protests in Israel reflect a growing public anger towards Netanyahu, who is viewed as partially responsible for the deaths of hostages.
Netanyahu's insistence on maintaining military presence despite pressure for a ceasefire highlights a significant distrust in his leadership intentions.
Deep dives
Intensified Protests Against Netanyahu
Extraordinary protests have erupted in Israel following the killing of six hostages held by Hamas, with demonstrators directing their frustration towards Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This discontent is characterized by accusations against Netanyahu, holding him partly responsible for the deaths of the hostages and questioning his commitment to secure a ceasefire. The protests have gained unprecedented momentum, showcasing heightened anger among citizens, with slogans indicating a direct blame on Netanyahu for the ongoing crisis. The combination of public anger and distrust towards Netanyahu's motives is underscored by the observable shift in the intensity of the protests compared to earlier periods in the conflict.
Netanyahu's Stance on Security and Ceasefire Negotiations
Netanyahu’s refusal to withdraw troops from the Philadelphia corridor, a strategically significant border area, is a focal point of contention amidst the protests. He argues that a troop withdrawal would enable Hamas to smuggle weapons easily, potentially facilitating another attack similar to the one that occurred on October 7. Despite facing pressure from his own defense minister and security officials to reach a ceasefire, Netanyahu's insistence on maintaining a military presence is perceived as undermining the desperate calls for a ceasefire and raising suspicions about his intentions. Reports indicating that Netanyahu has historically added conditions to ceasefire negotiations have further fueled distrust among Israelis regarding his leadership and decision-making process.
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Public Outrage and Political Uncertainty in Israel
There has been nearly a week of protests in Israel following the death of six hostages held by Hamas. They're calling on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire deal with Hamas, bringing the remining hostages held in Gaza home. But so far, no deal has been reached. We talk about how Israelis view their prime minister with Anshel Pfeffer, correspondent for The Economist and author of a biography of Netanyahu.