Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Stalled by Far-Right Opposition, Netanyahu Faces Dilemma for Political Survival

Amidst the ongoing battle between Israel and Hamas, far-right parties within Netanyahu's coalition government are obstructing a potential ceasefire agreement by opposing any new truce. These far-right parties have threatened to withdraw from the coalition, potentially causing the government's collapse, if a ceasefire is implemented. Netanyahu, unable to ignore the demands of the far-right to maintain his hold on power, finds himself in a precarious position where a ceasefire remains uncertain.

While Netanyahu's coalition holds 64 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, the loss of the 14 seats held by the far-right bloc could lead to the government losing its majority and collapsing. Leading this far-right faction are Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of Religious Zionism and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of Jewish Power. In late May, when US President Biden announced a new ceasefire proposal, including a permanent truce, which was described as an Israeli initiative, Smotrich countered by insisting that the fighting should continue until Hamas is completely destroyed and all hostages are rescued, emphasizing his party's threat to leave the coalition. Ben-Gvir also denounced the new proposal as a "trick."

The far-right parties advocate for the eradication of Hamas's influence and the reoccupation of the Gaza Strip, alongside calls for annexing the occupied West Bank. Notably, Smotrich previously sparked controversy by claiming that "Palestinians do not exist," and Ben-Gvir has a history of making inflammatory anti-Arab statements, including a conviction for incitement. On June 8th, "Jerusalem Day," commemorating Israel's capture of East Jerusalem, including Jewish holy sites, during the 1967 Six-Day War, Ben-Gvir led a march through the Old City alongside many right-wing Jewish individuals, chanting "All victory is ours" and urging the continuation of the battle against Hamas.

Following Biden's announcement of the new proposal, Netanyahu distanced himself from the details, stating that they were "inaccurate," highlighting a divergence of views with the US. Some analysts suggest that this move was a calculated response to appease the far-right, who could potentially withdraw from the coalition. Facing public criticism after Hamas's surprise attack last October, Netanyahu's position as Prime Minister would likely be jeopardized in any upcoming elections. Consequently, he must prioritize preventing the far-right's departure to maintain his grip on power. This situation could further complicate and prolong the stalled ceasefire negotiations.

Meanwhile, on June 30th, the Israeli military announced the rescue of a female soldier who had been held hostage by Hamas in a ground operation, marking the first hostage rescue since the beginning of the conflict in July. However, Hamas responded by releasing a video on social media featuring three women believed to be Israeli hostages, launching accusations against Netanyahu and demanding the release of Palestinian prisoners, a move perceived as a tactic to exert pressure.

Currently, the Israeli army has deployed additional ground troops, advancing into the northern and eastern regions of the Gaza Strip, leading to clashes with Hamas in various areas. The conflict between Israel and Hamas appears likely to persist for a prolonged period, prompting international concern over Israel's offensive and calls for humanitarian aid to the citizens of Gaza.