Israel's hardline prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a mounting crisis as far-right coalition partners reject a US-backed plan for post-war governance in Gaza, highlighting the deep divisions within his government.
Netanyahu had previously opposed the plan, citing "uncoordinated" appointments that were contrary to Israel's policy. However, it is believed that he was primarily upset about Turkey being involved in the process, a move that has strained relations between the two countries since the war began in October 2023.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich took issue with the White House's selection of world leaders for the Gaza "board of peace," calling Netanyahu's willingness to take responsibility for Gaza "the original sin." Instead, Smotrich advocated for a military government in Gaza that would encourage immigration and settlement, effectively undermining the US plan.
Smotrich also made it clear that any involvement by countries like Qatar and Turkey in post-war Gaza was unacceptable, suggesting they had only contributed to fueling Hamas's insurgency. The Israeli minister's comments have sparked tensions between Israel and its key allies, including the US, which has invested significant diplomatic capital into brokering a lasting ceasefire.
The White House's plan for a three-part board of peace includes a Palestinian committee tasked with governing Gaza, an advisory role for the Gaza executive board, and a broader board chaired by Donald Trump. However, details remain scarce, and many have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of these proposals given the deep-seated differences between Israel and its Palestinian neighbors.
The crisis has only intensified since October 2023, when Israel launched a devastating military campaign in Gaza that left at least 451 Palestinians dead and further strained regional relations. The situation remains precarious, with flimsy shelters and inadequate infrastructure making life for displaced Palestinians increasingly dire.
As Netanyahu's government teeters on the brink of collapse, the fate of any meaningful post-war settlement hangs in the balance. With far-right coalition partners openly rebelling against US-backed proposals, a way forward will require careful diplomacy and a willingness to engage with those who have long been at odds – including Turkey, Qatar, and even the Palestinian leadership.
Netanyahu had previously opposed the plan, citing "uncoordinated" appointments that were contrary to Israel's policy. However, it is believed that he was primarily upset about Turkey being involved in the process, a move that has strained relations between the two countries since the war began in October 2023.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich took issue with the White House's selection of world leaders for the Gaza "board of peace," calling Netanyahu's willingness to take responsibility for Gaza "the original sin." Instead, Smotrich advocated for a military government in Gaza that would encourage immigration and settlement, effectively undermining the US plan.
Smotrich also made it clear that any involvement by countries like Qatar and Turkey in post-war Gaza was unacceptable, suggesting they had only contributed to fueling Hamas's insurgency. The Israeli minister's comments have sparked tensions between Israel and its key allies, including the US, which has invested significant diplomatic capital into brokering a lasting ceasefire.
The White House's plan for a three-part board of peace includes a Palestinian committee tasked with governing Gaza, an advisory role for the Gaza executive board, and a broader board chaired by Donald Trump. However, details remain scarce, and many have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of these proposals given the deep-seated differences between Israel and its Palestinian neighbors.
The crisis has only intensified since October 2023, when Israel launched a devastating military campaign in Gaza that left at least 451 Palestinians dead and further strained regional relations. The situation remains precarious, with flimsy shelters and inadequate infrastructure making life for displaced Palestinians increasingly dire.
As Netanyahu's government teeters on the brink of collapse, the fate of any meaningful post-war settlement hangs in the balance. With far-right coalition partners openly rebelling against US-backed proposals, a way forward will require careful diplomacy and a willingness to engage with those who have long been at odds – including Turkey, Qatar, and even the Palestinian leadership.
. I think Netanyahu's government is actually doing us all a favor by rejecting the US plan. Like, who needs a "board of peace" that's just going to be controlled by Turkey? Smotrich's comments about immigration and settlement are pretty on point too... I mean, what's wrong with encouraging Jewish people from around the world to come live in Gaza? It's not like it's going to make a huge difference in the grand scheme of things. And let's be real, Qatar and Turkey have just been fueling Hamas's insurgency for years - why should we expect them to change now? 
The US is over-invested in brokering a ceasefire anyway... maybe this is just an opportunity for Israel to take control of its own destiny.
. I mean Netanyahu's whole thing about Turkey being involved in the process just sounds like a huge excuse for him not wanting to take responsibility for what Israel did in Gaza. And Smotrich's comments about Hamas are super inflammatory, but also kinda on point? Like, if you're gonna fuel the fire of extremism, don't be surprised when it comes back to bite you.
. It's like they're more concerned with maintaining their own power and influence than actually trying to find peace in the Middle East. And now we're left with this huge mess, where Israel's government is literally on the brink of collapse.
. But I'm not holding my breath - Netanyahu's been making promises and breaking promises for years, and it feels like he's more interested in lining his own pockets than in finding a real solution. The US needs to step up their game and get some actual leadership on this one 
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. And then you've got Smotrich, Finance Minister, coming out and basically saying that anyone else involved in the process is just fueling Hamas's insurgency 
. It's like he thinks he's some kind of genius with a plan for Gaza, but really he's just stirring up more chaos and tension 
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. Ugh, I'm so done with this whole situation 
!
. And now his coalition partners are turning on him? That's just great. It's like they're all trying to outdo each other in who can be the most intolerant. And Turkey being involved in the process is just a whole mess... I mean, can't we all just get along? 
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