Netanyahu's Rise Impact on Gaza Ceasefire

In the wake of the October 7 attacks, Ditza Or, whose son Avinatan was kidnapped during the Nova music festival, is advocating for a more aggressive stance against Hamas rather than a ceasefire. Or, along with other families of hostages, aligns with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces mounting pressure from the U.S., his security team, and even his defense minister to negotiate a deal. Recent reports indicate that U.S. President Joe Biden expressed frustration with Netanyahu, suggesting he was not genuinely pursuing a resolution. Or criticizes the Israeli leadership for not taking personal responsibility for the attacks, asserting that Netanyahu and his ministers attribute blame solely to the military. This lack of accountability, she argues, diminishes their urgency to secure a deal for the hostages. Netanyahu has publicly stated that his primary focus remains on defeating Hamas, with hostage recovery as a secondary priority, emphasizing the need to maintain Israel's security amidst both domestic and international pressures. The Prime Minister's approach contrasts sharply with the sentiments of the hostage families, who feel a pressing need for action. Or highlights that Netanyahu perceives any concession as a sign of weakness, particularly in the eyes of adversaries like Hezbollah and Iran. As negotiations loom, the urgency intensifies for both the hostages and the broader region, with time emerging as a critical factor in the ongoing conflict.