US assures 'Israel' it can resume war if captive deal fails: Ynet
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A US letter holding assurances, discussed by Netanyahu in a cabinet meeting, would be issued only after Netanyahu signs the deal, reflecting mutual mistrust between Netanyahu and Washington.
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Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu speaks during a press conference in Tel Aviv on October 28, 2023. (AP)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed Israeli security officials that he is waiting for a commitment from the United States, ensuring that "Israel" can resume its war on Gaza if the second phase of the captive deal fails to make progress, the Israeli Ynet news website reported on Monday.
An official present at last week's meeting disclosed that Washington has agreed to provide a letter of commitment, but this would occur only after the ceasefire and captive release agreement is finalized, as per the report.
The report further stressed that the situation underscores a significant lack of trust between Israeli security leadership and Netanyahu, with security officials concerned that Netanyahu will insist on Hamas' disarmament and the expulsion of its leaders in the second phase—demands likely to be rejected, leaving many captives in captivity.
The American letter, discussed during Netanyahu's meeting with US President Joe Biden last month, will act as a guarantee that "Israel" will not be forced to maintain a ceasefire indefinitely, as per the report.
No excuse to postpone the deal
Netanyahu informed officials that he was delaying his approval of the deal to publicly present the letter of commitment. However, he was surprised to learn from one participant that Washington had already agreed to the terms of such a guarantee and that drafts were being exchanged, the report stressed.
The clear message, as per the report, was that this should not be an excuse to postpone the deal. Netanyahu attempted to withhold information about the administration's agreement from the security officials but failed. The letter will be issued only after Netanyahu signs the deal, reflecting mutual mistrust between Netanyahu and Washington.
The officials conveyed to Netanyahu that they view the current captive deal as an opportunity, whereas he sees it as a threat. They emphasized that the deal is not only a crucial humanitarian matter but also a potential catalyst for regional stability. Netanyahu, on the other hand, responded by expressing frustration that he is being criticized in the press instead of receiving support to pressure Hamas.
Netanyahu accused of delaying hostage deal over political calculations
Senior sources have not confirmed whether Netanyahu referred to security officials as "feeble" for not taking a stronger stance in the captive negotiations, the report said.
There is doubt about whether he would use such language with Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar, Security Minister Yoav Gallant, or Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. It was Halevi and Gallant who persuaded Netanyahu to authorize a ground incursion into Gaza, despite his initial fears of significant IOF casualties.
Netanyahu’s allies argue, as per the report, that agreeing to the deal earlier might have precluded the assassinations. However, officials argue that such operations could have been conducted after securing the captives’ release, potentially avoiding a broader regional war and "preventing further harm to the captives."
The report mentioned that many involved in the negotiations believe that Netanyahu risks missing a crucial strategic opportunity due to personal political considerations. They contend that the deal could facilitate the release of captives, mitigate regional war, and avert a full-scale war.
All of this could be achieved by releasing Palestinian detainees with minimal additional costs. However, for Netanyahu, the prospect of Palestinians returning to northern Gaza is more challenging to accept than the release of captives, as per the report.
The report went on to say that the far-right and other coalition members have become attached to the idea of an empty northern Gaza Strip, an idea Netanyahu has reportedly not fully embraced but is reluctant to dismiss.
Sources suggest that the tense meetings with President Biden and Israeli security leaders might have had an effect. Netanyahu has reportedly directed his delegation to provide "positive responses" to mediators in Cairo over the weekend, which could create more negotiating flexibility and potentially lead to a breakthrough. According to a knowledgeable source, "Bibi does not move unless he is pressured," the report concluded.
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