Far-right lawmakers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition are voicing strong opposition to a proposed cease-fire deal with Hamas that would see a limited number of hostages released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Hamas has said it agreed to terms presented by mediators from Qatar and Egypt, but the response from hard-liners within Netanyahu’s coalition highlights the pressure the prime minister faces over the latest proposal.
One of the loudest critics, Moshe Saadeh of Netanyahu’s Likud party, told Channel 14 that pursuing a partial deal would be “a moral folly and a difficult strategic error,” warning that it would ultimately empower Hamas.
The proposal has been described by Israelis and Palestinians as a “partial deal” because it postpones tackling the core disputes between Israel and Hamas. It would not guarantee the release of all hostages, nor end the war, though proponents say a second phase could address those issues later if feasible. The push-and-pull inside Netanyahu’s coalition reflects broader tensions between those who favor a cautious, staged path to releasing hostage-held captives and a broader war-ending agreement, and those who fear concessions could undermine Israel’s leverage in Gaza.
Context and implications: The deal’s fate depends not only on negotiations with Hamas and mediators but also on the competing political pressures within Netanyahu’s government. For supporters of the plan, a staged approach could create space for negotiations while managing battlefield risks. For opponents, especially hard-liners, it risks compromising strategic goals and potentially prolonging the conflict if critical conditions are deferred.
Summary: As mediators push for a measured, staged resolution, far-right members of the coalition are challenging a partial cease-fire, insisting that any agreement must advance a comprehensive, long-term outcome rather than a piecemeal arrangement. The coming days will reveal whether a middle path can satisfy both humanitarian concerns and security objectives.
Additional notes: If a broader cease-fire or prisoner exchange framework emerges, it may require careful balancing of domestic political optics with international expectations from Qatar, Egypt, and other stakeholders. The situation remains fluid, with negotiations continuing amid significant political pressure at home. Positive outlook: If a staged deal can unlock safer, gradual progress and reduce civilian harm without sacrificing essential security goals, it could pave the way for broader de-escalation while keeping critical military objectives on track.