Washington: Netanyahu Retracts Agreement on Ceasefire in Northern Israel Amid Political Pressure

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has backtracked on a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon that he verbally supported in talks with the U.S. and France, following intense political pressure from his coalition in Israel, diplomatic sources revealed Thursday. Initially, Netanyahu, along with Minister Ron Dermer, had been regularly updated and gave their blessing to the American-French proposal for a temporary ceasefire. However, during his flight to the U.S., Netanyahu reversed course after facing criticism from within his government.

According to a senior Western diplomat, this is not the first time that Netanyahu has changed positions. "He was frightened by the criticism of his government and made a U-turn in the middle of the road," said the diplomat, referring also to Netanyahu’s previous retreat during negotiations concerning hostages in Gaza.

Despite reports suggesting that Netanyahu had approved the plan, his office later said, "The prime minister didn’t even respond to it." This contradicted the White House's announcement, which stated that the ceasefire proposal had been coordinated with Israel and discussed with senior Israeli officials in New York.

John Kirby, the White House National Security Council spokesman, confirmed the coordination, stating, "The talks we had with senior Israeli officials yesterday were serious," and that "the Israelis were fully aware of every word in the agreement." U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Minister Ron Dermer continue discussing the ceasefire.

US and France Push for 21-Day Ceasefire 

The U.S. and France are pushing for a 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah to prevent an escalation into an all-out war, as tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border continue to rise. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that the region is at risk of a "devastating" conflict but emphasized that diplomacy remains a viable solution. Austin urged Israel to consider diplomatic means to allow northern residents to return to their homes, stating that the U.S. remains committed to Israel’s defense.

The American-French ceasefire proposal, developed over the last two days, aims to allow for advanced negotiations that could lead to a resolution of the conflict and the release of hostages in Gaza. The plan has garnered support from Germany, Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and the European Union. The joint statement from the supporting countries called the situation "unbearable" and warned of the danger of regional deterioration.

Political Fallout in Israel Over Ceasefire Talks

The ceasefire proposal has sparked fierce debate within Israel. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned Netanyahu that his Otzma Yehudit party would withdraw from the coalition if the ceasefire is agreed upon, stating, "We will not abandon the residents of the north." Ben-Gvir added that his party would resign from the government if the ceasefire became permanent, leaving the fate of northern residents in the hands of Hezbollah.

Despite White House assurances that Israel was fully aware of the ceasefire proposal, Netanyahu denied approving it, reiterating that fighting would continue until Israel’s objectives in Gaza were met. The proposal remains a topic of discussion as Netanyahu meets with American officials in New York, where diplomatic efforts are ongoing.

US and Israel in Talks Despite Ceasefire Confusion

Amid the confusion, John Kirby reaffirmed that the U.S. had consulted with Israel before presenting the ceasefire plan and that it was not developed "out of nowhere." White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated that the proposal was coordinated with Israeli officials and that talks in New York are focused on securing a 21-day ceasefire with Hezbollah.