Israeli Leaders Discuss Cease-Fire Amid Ongoing Conflict in Gaza
Some right-wing partners are threatening to withdraw from Netanyahu’s coalition, but a centrist leader has indicated willingness to join if it helps secure a hostage deal.
There has been movement towards resuming Gaza cease-fire talks, with an Israeli delegation meeting with Qatari mediators for preliminary discussions. This has led Israeli leaders to position themselves on what could be acceptable terms for the nation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized on July 7 that any deal must allow Israel to continue fighting until it achieves its war goals, prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas through the Gaza-Egypt border, and stop armed terrorists from returning to northern Gaza.
Two right-wing coalition partners of Mr. Netanyahu have stated they would leave the coalition if the war ends before Hamas is eliminated and the hostages are freed, potentially causing the government to collapse.
The leader of Israel’s largest opposition party, Yair Lapid, has assured the prime minister of a safety net that would allow him to make the decision without jeopardizing his position.
“Let him make the deal,” Mr. Lapid told his parliamentary faction on July 8. “I promised him a safety net, and I will fulfill that promise.”
He acknowledged the challenge of offering such support despite his opposition to Mr. Netanyahu but stressed the importance of bringing the hostages home.
The two right-wing parties in the coalition, staunchly against a cease-fire, collectively hold 13 seats in Israel’s 120-seat Knesset, while Mr. Lapid’s party has 24 seats.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a coalition member and head of a party representing Israelis in the West Bank, known as Judea and Samaria to them, expressed on July 8 that ending the offensive now would be a grave error.
“Hamas is weakening and asking for a cease-fire,” he posted on social media platform X. “It is the right time to apply pressure until we defeat the enemy. Stopping now, just before the finish line, allowing them to regroup and fight us again, is foolish.”
Over the weekend, Hamas hinted at dropping a key demand for Israel to commit to ending the war as a prerequisite for negotiations, proposing a six-week initial phase instead. However, a senior Hamas official later refuted those reports.
In Israel, protestors have blocked highways advocating for a hostage release deal and calling for Mr. Netanyahu’s resignation.
On July 8, senior U.S. officials mentioned remaining “gaps” between Israeli and Hamas positions.
If a cease-fire occurs, it would be the first break in fighting since November 2023.
The conflict started when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, resulting in 1,200 Israeli and civilian deaths, with most being unarmed individuals killed in their homes or at the Nova music festival. Around 250 people were taken hostage by Hamas.
Over 100 hostages were released during the November cease-fire, with a few others freed earlier or rescued in a June 8 operation. Approximately 80 are believed to still be alive, with 43 confirmed deceased.
As the fighting persists in the Gaza Strip, the IDF has intensified its presence in the eastern part of Gaza City. Thousands of Palestinians have fled as tanks advanced from various directions.
The IDF’s operation marks an expansion of its involvement in an area it claims to have taken control of months ago, but Hamas resurgence has hindered Israeli military progress.
