Israeli officials have expressed concerns that recent statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could jeopardize the delicate "constructive ambiguity" essential for the acceptance of a proposed captives-ceasefire deal by Hamas, Israeli journalist Barak Ravid wrote on Axios.

The primary issue revolves around Hamas' need for assurance that a ceasefire in Gaza will lead to the eventual end of the war, while Netanyahu underlined that he would continue the war until Hamas is completely defeated.

According to Ravid, Netanyahu insists on undermining the proposal's ambiguity. This ambiguity allows both sides to commence the first phase of the deal – releasing a group of captives and initiating a 42-day ceasefire – while deferring the broader question of ending the war of attrition on Gaza.

The "constructive ambiguity" is evident in two specific clauses of the Israeli proposal titled "Israel response on 6 May 2024 proposal." One clause outlines the commencement of indirect negotiations within 16 days to agree on conditions for implementing the second stage of the agreement, including the exchange of hostages and prisoners.

Another clause, aligning with Biden's speech, indicates that all procedures – including the temporary cessation of military operations – will continue in stage two as long as negotiations are ongoing.

Biden's proposal

Biden laid out Friday a new proposal that involves releasing Israeli captives held by the Palestinian Resistance in exchange for a ceasefire in Gaza. The US President claimed that this is the most effective step toward de-escalating the ongoing war, adding, "With a ceasefire, that aid could be safely and effectively distributed to all who need it."

Netanyahu asserted his commitment to the declared objectives of the war in Gaza, namely returning the Israeli captives and eliminating Hamas. 

Mounting pressures from allies

He emphasized that this was part of the agreed outline within the War Cabinet, dismissing suggestions that it was added due to pressure from the far-right coalition. Despite this, Netanyahu acknowledged discrepancies between Biden's speech and the Israeli proposal, with some of his aides criticizing Biden's portrayal as "inaccurate."

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However, such pressures do exist. Two Israeli ministers have voiced strong opposition to Biden's proposed prisoner exchange deal.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich described Biden's proposal as "dangerous", asserting that he had informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of his vehement opposition to the deal if it signifies a defeat.

"If the government adopts this capitulation proposal, we will not be part of it and will work to replace the failed leadership," Smotrich declared, taking a direct jab at Netanyahu's administration.

Smotrich further contended that the proposal presented by the war cabinet lacked legal authority and was not binding on the Israeli government.

Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also voiced his disapproval, emphasizing that Biden's plan would end the war without achieving its objective of dismantling Hamas.

Ben-Gvir disclosed that Netanyahu had told him he could review the draft of the deal but had not provided it yet. "Netanyahu's delay in presenting the draft indicates a bad agreement that will end the war without ending Hamas," he said.

The far-right Israeli minister further warned that the government would be dismantled if Netanyahu agreed to the deal without eliminating Hamas.

'United' Israeli government 

Biden also acknowledged opposition to the plan within "Israel", particularly among some government coalition members, who advocate for continuing the war indefinitely, prioritizing the occupation of Gaza over the release of Israeli captives. 

"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. They've made it clear. They want to occupy Gaza. They want to keep fighting for years and hostages are not a priority for them. Well, I've urged leadership in Israel to stand behind this deal, despite whatever pressure comes," Biden said.

Numerous Israeli media channels characterized Biden's speech on Friday as compelling, interpreting it as a direct appeal to the Israeli populace. Channel 12 even interrupted its regular evening news program to broadcast Biden's address live. According to anchor Danny Kushmaro, "Israel's" censor had previously prohibited the publication of the offer's specifics.

Well, Biden was right. Simultaneously, Netanyahu rushed to respond to Biden's plan, claiming that "the Israeli government is united in the desire to return our hostages as soon as possible and is working to achieve this goal," as per a statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.