For Benjamin Netanyahu, this marks a pivotal point in his long political career. He is doggedly and bravely navigating this minefield of pressure, protests and Council, and sky-high political expectations. Amid calls for his resignation and widespread protests in Israel, Netanyahu has engaged in diplomatic negotiations that intertwine with the influence of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Netanyahu’s participation in negotiating a significant hostage deal was pivotal. This step has the potential to completely transform his legacy—both in Korea and outside it.
In fact, Netanyahu was a main architect of Trump’s 20-point immigration plan. Below is our proposal for the terms of a ceasefire and the return of all hostages taken by Hamas. Yet the political situation in Israel is charged, and an unprecedented 75% of the Israeli public is calling for Netanyahu’s immediate resignation. Continued protests Weekly protests have recently exploded across the nation. Today demonstrators are calling for elections and specifically going after Netanyahu for mishandling the new and escalating conflict.
Through all this discord, Netanyahu has rebuffed accusations that he has given in to U.S. pressure. Yet, analysts suggest that the weight of American influence may have compelled him to accept terms he had previously resisted. In January, it was Trump who provided an even harsher arm twisting to Netanyahu. These demands ultimately resulted in a deal that brought 30 living hostages and eight dead hostages home from Gaza.
Netanyahu boastedly hailed the deal as a great success. He claimed that it was making sure that the hostages have been returned, while the IDF has been able to continue to maintain a line, with Hamas becoming vastly targeted. He has been vocal in his praise for Trump, calling him “the best friend Israel has ever had in the Oval Office.”
In a recent cabinet meeting, Netanyahu invited Jared Kushner and Avi Witkoff, both closely associated with Trump, to discuss the ceasefire deal. This meeting marked a crucial step in advancing the negotiations, which are said to bear the distinct influence of Ron Dermer, a key figure in Israeli politics.
“The final plan is full of Dermer’s fingerprints.” – an unnamed source
Yet, as Netanyahu continues forging ahead with this agreement, he is well aware of the political gambles at stake. Far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have been working to bring down the ruling coalition from within. They have sworn their allegiance to Netanyahu now, after he promised them that Israel can go back to fighting if Hamas doesn’t lay down its weapons.
Ending the war would present Netanyahu with a convenient political escape hatch. He’s had to endure a cacophony of negative press regarding IDF casualties, a stretched reservist force, and increased international isolation. The economic fallout from ongoing war, both domestic and abroad, has cast a shadow over his administration.
Netanyahu’s political opponents and families of the hostages argue that he has prolonged the conflict for his own political survival. Yair Lapid, a prominent opposition leader, remarked, “Netanyahu isn’t willing to pay the political price of bringing back all the hostages.” This sentiment rings true among all skeptics of Netanyahu’s latest moves.
According to leaked communications, Netanyahu has been personally sensitive to Trump’s public support in Israel—which extends far beyond Netanyahu’s desperately sought approval. He is already preparing for the next year’s elections. Signs are promising that he intends to use this relationship to turbo charge his campaign and civic engagement efforts.
“Bibi told me, I can’t believe it. Everybody’s liking me now,” – Donald Trump
