Internal divisions have emerged in Israel's leadership over hostage negotiations and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, finds himself at odds with key security figures as disagreements over a potential ceasefire deal intensify.
The hostage negotiation team, led by David Barnea of Mossad and Ronen Bar of Shin Bet, advocates for a compromise with Hamas to end the war. However, they face resistance from Netanyahu, who insists on maintaining control of the Philadelphi Corridor, a 14 km strip along the Gaza-Egypt border.
Tensions peaked during a recent security cabinet meeting, where heated exchanges occurred between Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The dispute centered on Israel's control of the Philadelphi Corridor, with Gallant challenging the prime minister's stance.
Herzl Halevi, IDF Chief of Staff, also expressed concerns about Netanyahu's position, stating that the army could "enter and return" to the corridor after the initial ceasefire period. This highlights the growing divide between the prime minister and military leadership.
Critics, including opposition leader Yair Lapid, accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the conflict for political gain. Lapid has described the situation as a "forever war" without an end date.
The internal strife comes as Hamas reportedly increases its demands for Palestinian prisoner releases in exchange for hostages. This development further complicates negotiations, which have been ongoing since the October 7, 2023 attack.
"What about when 30 lives are at stake? What do you do?"
As the conflict approaches its one-year mark, public pressure for a resolution grows. Mass protests and a general strike followed the recent killing of six hostages in Gaza, intensifying calls for an end to the war and a ceasefire deal.
The situation remains fluid, with the US, Qatar, and Egypt proposing a bridging agreement in mid-August. However, internal disagreements within the Israeli government continue to hinder progress towards a resolution.