Toward or Away from Peace? Historic Echoes and Netanyahu’s Calculus — Accept, Sabotage, or Stall

By Elijah J. Magnier

Israeli Chief of Staff Yael Zamir has finally presented to Defence Minister Yisrael Katz the long-awaited plan to occupy Gaza — a blueprint designed both to end Hamas militarily existence in Gaza and find another authority to rule the Strip. The timing is critical. With the Knesset adjourned from 4 August until 27 October 2025, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enjoys a rare reprieve: his far-right coalition partners, usually poised to threaten his survival, are effectively disarmed during the recess. This political breathing space coincides with a diplomatic opening. Hamas has formally accepted a U.S.-brokered proposal, advanced by envoy Steve Witkoff and mediated by Egypt and Qatar, for a 60-day cessation of hostilities.

The agreement promises large-scale humanitarian aid and, most importantly, the lifting of the man-made famine in Gaza. At its core lies a pragmatic exchange: ten of the twenty Israeli soldiers still held in captivity could be released in the first phase. For Netanyahu, this is the clearest chance in months to reduce domestic unrest and soften international outrage over Israel’s actions, which stand accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the deliberate starvation of civilians.

Yet the central question remains: will Netanyahu seize this rare opening, or will he manoeuvre to sabotage it — stalling until his coalition regains its leverage and then dragging Israel back into war? Is this ceasefire a genuine step toward ending one of the bloodiest chapters in Gaza’s history, or merely a tactical pause, a breathing space before the cycle of destruction resumes?

Hamas – not Netanyahu – Accepts the Witkoff Proposal