Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu dismisses President Biden's Gaza ceasefire drive as 'a non
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 had unveiled it.
Mr Netanyahu seemed to dismiss the permanent ceasefire proposal as 'a non-starter' despite Mr Biden revealing the plan had originated in Israel. Hamas has reacted positively to the proposal.
Mr Netanyahu wrote on X, formerly Twitter: 'Israel's conditions for ending the war have not changed: the destruction of Hamas military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.
'Under the proposal, Israel will continue to insist these conditions are met before a permanent ceasefire is put in place.
Mr Netanyahu seemed to dismiss the permanent ceasefire proposal as 'a non-starter' despite Mr Biden revealing the plan had originated in Israel . Hamas has reacted positively to the proposal
If the talks take longer, the ceasefire would continue for as long as it takes to strike a deal. Pictured: Palestinian children sitting near a destroyed house in the southern Gaza strip
The notion that Israel will agree to a permanent ceasefire before these conditions are fulfilled is a non-starter.'
It is believed the Israeli PM's statement yesterday may have been made to placate hardliners such as security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir within his government who have threatened to bring down the administration if Hamas is not fully destroyed.
Experts said the Israeli leader has not said an outright 'no' to the deal, but wants to make it in his terms.
Yesterday Mr Biden said: 'I know there are those in Israel who will not agree with this plan and will call for the war to continue indefinitely. Some are even in the government coalition.'
The new three-phase deal Mr Biden is backing would see a six-week ceasefire while the two sides negotiate a permanent end to the fighting.
The new three-phase deal Mr Biden (pictured) is backing would see a six-week ceasefire while the two sides negotiate a permanent end to the fighting
If the talks take longer, the ceasefire would continue for as long as it takes to strike a deal.
The second phase would involve Hamas handing over all remaining hostages and Israel withdrawing all forces from Gaza.
Mr Biden said the third and final stage would see 'a major reconstruction plan' for civilian areas in Gaza.
The families of hostages urged the Netanyahu government to accept the deal.
Gili Roman, whose sister, Yarden Roman-Gat, was released in November, said: 'This might be the last chance to save lives.'
Israel's opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Mr Netanyahu to accept the deal. He said: 'There is a deal on the table and it should be made.'