Netanyahu does not want war on Gaza to end now: Israeli media
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Channel 12's military affairs commentator, Nir Dvori, revealed ongoing behind-the-scenes efforts aimed at achieving a deal.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the media during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, in 'Tel Aviv', 'Israel', on October 17, 2023. (AP)
The Israeli Channel 12 characterized the present phase as "critical, dramatic, and dire," as it delves into the ongoing negotiations for a potential prisoner exchange deal. The coverage sheds light on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's position, who opposes certain terms, juxtaposed with the preferences of the security and military establishments within the nation.
According to Nir Devuri, the military affairs commentator on the Israeli channel, those who have recently spoken with Netanyahu understand his stance: "he is reluctant to ease the resolution of the war on Gaza. This factor is crucial in the ongoing negotiations and could have significant consequences."
He emphasized that Netanyahu opposes the return of displaced Palestinians to the northern Gaza Strip, highlighting the importance of overcoming this obstacle, along with the previous one.
Dvori highlighted that Netanyahu's foremost concern these days revolves around the potential issuance of memorandums by the International Court in The Hague against Israeli officials and military officers for war crimes. That said, Netanyahu sent delegations to US President Joe Biden in an attempt to thwart these proceedings.
He further mentioned that both the Israeli Minister of Security and the Chief of Staff consider the issue of returning captives to be of utmost importance, suggesting that addressing the matter of Rafah can be postponed until a later stage.
Dvori disclosed ongoing efforts to broker a deal encompassing cessation of hostilities, the subsequent release of captives, and potential normalization with Saudi Arabia. He noted the positive coordination between "Israel" and Egypt in ceasefire negotiations for Gaza, awaiting Hamas' response.
He concluded that the security and military establishment are duty-bound to urge Netanyahu towards a deal, highlighting that the obstacle lies within his "cabinet." He added that following Hamas' response in the coming days, negotiations are expected to intensify.
'No fundamental changes in the Israeli stance': Exclusive
A Palestinian resistance official has confirmed to Al Mayadeen that “the movement is still studying the Israeli proposal in the negotiations, but there are no great expectations for its acceptance unless fundamental amendments are made to it.”
The official confirmed that the Israeli proposal does not reflect a fundamental shift in the position, and does not give clear answers to the issue of Israeli withdrawal and a comprehensive ceasefire.
The official said Hamas "is still studying the proposal, but there are no high expectations for its acceptance unless fundamental amendments are made to it."
Read next: Hamas has received the occupation’s official response: Al-Hayya
The expert on Palestinian Resistance affairs, Hani al-Dali, told Al Mayadeen that one of the clauses is that 20 to 40 captives, and four or five female IOF members or elderly IOF members, be released in exchange for their release of numerous Palestinian prisoners held for life in occupation prisons.
He emphasized that the Israelis indicated possible flexibility regarding a withdrawal from the beginning of al-Rashid Street to the Juhr al-Dik area, and the return of the displaced Palestinians should be flexible.
Al-Dali pointed out that the occupation’s proposals are the terms of a partial deal and not a complete deal.
