Netanyahu stated he was “prepared to make a partial deal—this is no secret—that will return to us some of the people,” referring to the approximately 120 hostages still detained in Gaza. “But we are committed to continuing the war after a pause, in order to complete the goal of eliminating Hamas. I’m not willing to give up on that,” he added.
These remarks come as a surprise after U.S. President Joe Biden presented the plan as an Israeli initiative, referred to by some in Israel as “Netanyahu’s deal.” His comments could further strain U.S.-Israel relations, as the U.S., Israel’s primary ally, has made significant diplomatic efforts to push for the ceasefire.