He promised total victory for Israel, but standing next to Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, it was Benjamin Netanyahu who looked defeated. Israel's prime minister was saying all the right things about the peace deal he had just agreed to, but he seemed deflated, his voice hoarse and his energy dimmed, as he praised Trump as 'the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House'.
This friendship could cost him his government, as Netanyahu's far-right allies threatened to leave – and possibly collapse – his administration if he concedes too much in ending the war. Coalition partners like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have openly expressed their desire to annex Gaza, drive out Palestinians, and re-establish Jewish settlements there.
Moreover, Trump is aware that by pushing Netanyahu into this deal, he is asking him to gamble his government, offering a chance for a historic legacy – a peaceful future for the region with stronger ties between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
Compounding the pressure, Israel's president, Isaac Herzog, hinted at possibly pardoning Netanyahu in his ongoing corruption trials, fueling speculation about Netanyahu's reluctance to step down while still holding onto power.
Despite the agreement outlining some form of Palestinian participation, Netanyahu was quick to remind his constituents that the notion of a Palestinian state was not included in the deal he endorsed. His actions indicate a strategic calculation to maintain power long enough to possibly influence upcoming elections, or to rely on Hamas rejecting the deal so that military actions can continue.
For the first time since the war began, Netanyahu appears to face greater risks in avoiding the deal than in agreeing to it. Yet the stark question looms: why did Trump call for a decision now when a similar situation was available nine months ago, resulting in a far greater loss of lives?
This friendship could cost him his government, as Netanyahu's far-right allies threatened to leave – and possibly collapse – his administration if he concedes too much in ending the war. Coalition partners like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have openly expressed their desire to annex Gaza, drive out Palestinians, and re-establish Jewish settlements there.
Moreover, Trump is aware that by pushing Netanyahu into this deal, he is asking him to gamble his government, offering a chance for a historic legacy – a peaceful future for the region with stronger ties between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
Compounding the pressure, Israel's president, Isaac Herzog, hinted at possibly pardoning Netanyahu in his ongoing corruption trials, fueling speculation about Netanyahu's reluctance to step down while still holding onto power.
Despite the agreement outlining some form of Palestinian participation, Netanyahu was quick to remind his constituents that the notion of a Palestinian state was not included in the deal he endorsed. His actions indicate a strategic calculation to maintain power long enough to possibly influence upcoming elections, or to rely on Hamas rejecting the deal so that military actions can continue.
For the first time since the war began, Netanyahu appears to face greater risks in avoiding the deal than in agreeing to it. Yet the stark question looms: why did Trump call for a decision now when a similar situation was available nine months ago, resulting in a far greater loss of lives?
