Reporter Isabel Kershner discusses President Biden's proposal to end the Gaza conflict, putting Israeli PM Netanyahu in a tough spot. They explore the ceasefire plan, Netanyahu's response, and the challenges faced amid the political tensions in the region.
President Biden proposed a secret truce with Hamas to end the war in Gaza, emphasizing the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
Netanyahu faces the dilemma of accepting the ceasefire deal while balancing the opposition within his coalition, risking potential government collapse.
Deep dives
President Biden's Proposal for Ceasefire in Gaza
President Biden surprises with an Israeli proposal for a ceasefire truce and hostage release deal with Hamas to end the war. The proposal involves a three-phase plan targeting the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, accompanied by increased humanitarian aid delivery.
Israeli Politics and Netanyahu's Strategic Dilemma
Netanyahu faces a critical decision on accepting the ceasefire deal, balancing the interests of his coalition partners who oppose the deal with the pressure from President Biden. The right-wing parties in Netanyahu's coalition threaten to withdraw support if the deal proceeds, potentially leading to a collapse of the government.
Consequences and Strategic Options for Netanyahu
Netanyahu weighs possible outcomes, potentially accepting parts of the deal while maneuvering to avoid a full commitment that could jeopardize his political standing. The future scenario could involve a transitional caretaker government during wartime, with options for Netanyahu to delay decisions until a more politically advantageous time to navigate the complex Israeli political landscape.
In an unexpected speech last week, President Biden revealed the details of a secret proposal intended to end the war in Gaza. Perhaps the most surprising thing was where that proposal had come from.
Isabel Kershner, a reporter for The Times in Jerusalem, explains Mr. Biden’s gambit and the difficult choice it presents for Israel’s leader, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Guest: Isabel Kershner, who covers Israeli and Palestinian affairs for The New York Times.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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