NewDelhi: After 15 months of intense conflict, a ceasefire deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas, ending weeks of violence. But as the ceasefire comes into force, Netanyahu’s government faces rebellions that could threaten his leadership.
Qatar’s foreign ministry also confirmed the ceasefire to end hostilities, which started on January 19, 2025, and followed months of war that saw hundreds killed and large swathes of Gaza destroyed since October 7, 2023. The agreement, if finalised, would entail Hamas freeing 33 hostages in the upcoming six weeks in return for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
However, Netanyahu is experiencing increasing pressure from his own coalition, despite this diplomatic breakthrough. In protest of the ceasefire deal, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has resigned from the cabinet. Two other ministers from his far-right party, Otzma Yehudit, have likewise withdrawn their support for Netanyahu’s coalition government and have followed his example in resigning. The dissent suggests Netanyahu’s administration isn’t sitting pretty and may lead to early elections if more ministers follow suit.
The ceasefire is described by Ben-Gvir and his party as a sign of weakness and a ‘surrender to Hamas’ that undermines Israel’s military achievements in Gaza. The prisoner exchange would also see the release of ‘hundreds of murderers,’ they said. Netanyahu still has a thin majority in the Knesset, but the loss of support from these right-wing factions may be enough to unseat him as Prime Minister.
Observers consider the ceasefire agreement a response to the international pressure and the negotiation between different countries and organisations to suppress the war in the region. The way of life of civilians who have suffered greatly during the conflict is expected to receive respite. But the doubts remain about its sustainability, particularly after a recent history of bloodshed and distrust.
Ahead of a delicate round of negotiations and possible prisoner swaps Israel is heading to, Netanyahu will need to keep control of his coalition intact. Over the next few days, the fate of this ceasefire centre hangs in the balance as political pressure may yet rip it apart.