TEL AVIV — A shocking report by The New York Times claims Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed a ceasefire and hostage release deal in April 2024 to protect his political position. The report states Netanyahu feared losing his ruling coalition if he moved forward with the plan, which included freeing at least 30 Israeli hostages.
The report reveals Netanyahu kept the deal secret until the last moment. During a cabinet meeting that month, an aide gave him a copy of the truce proposal to present. Before he could act, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stormed in. Smotrich reportedly warned, “If a surrender agreement like this is brought forward, you no longer have a government.”
Startled, Netanyahu whispered to his advisers, “Don’t present the plan,” and the meeting continued without further discussion.
Far-Right Pressure Blocks Peace Efforts
The NYT report outlines a recurring pattern. Netanyahu allegedly prioritized political stability over diplomatic opportunities. Just three months after the scrapped ceasefire, Netanyahu reportedly disrupted a U.S.-backed Israeli-Saudi normalization deal. The agreement depended on ending the Gaza war. However, Netanyahu shelved it after facing strong resistance from far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
The report also suggests Netanyahu gave advance warning about Israel’s military plans to certain political allies. Before the June 13 airstrike on Iran, Netanyahu allegedly told ultra-Orthodox leader Moshe Gafni about the plan. The move was seen as an attempt to keep Gafni from withdrawing support due to delays in legislation protecting military exemptions for yeshiva students.
Ignored Warnings Before October 7 Attack
The NYT investigation further reveals that before Hamas’s October 7 assault, Israeli security officials repeatedly warned Netanyahu. They believed domestic unrest, especially over controversial judicial reforms, was weakening national security. Netanyahu reportedly brushed off these concerns.
His mistrust of military officials had reportedly reached such levels that he ordered generals to be searched for recording devices before private meetings.
Critics say this erosion of trust within the government weakened Israel’s ability to respond effectively to emerging threats. According to the NYT, internal disagreements and political infighting distracted the leadership from preparing for Hamas’ deadly incursion.
Official Denial Meets Public Backlash
Netanyahu’s office strongly denied the report. A spokesperson said, “Prime Minister Netanyahu was never concerned with his political survival, but with carrying out his life’s mission — ensuring the survival and future of the one and only Jewish state.”
The statement defended his actions during the war and said all decisions were made in Israel’s best interest.
Still, the NYT report presents a damaging narrative. The scrapped April ceasefire proposal, it claims, had the potential to end the war permanently and open the door to normalization with Saudi Arabia. Saudi officials had reportedly signaled readiness to pursue peace if fighting stopped.
But key coalition members Smotrich and Ben Gvir opposed any move that would stop military operations. They demanded the continuation of war and pushed for expanding settlements and displacing Palestinians from Gaza.
Netanyahu’s critics say he allowed these hardline demands to dictate policy. As a result, opportunities for peace were missed, and the war dragged on.
The revelations come as frustration grows in Israel over the fate of hostages still held in Gaza. Families of the captives have called on the government to make negotiations a priority.
This new information has reignited debate within Israel and beyond. Critics accuse Netanyahu of playing politics during wartime, putting personal power above national interest.
As diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire continue, the fallout from this report may shape the next phase of Israel’s war policy and the country’s political future.
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