When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects the proposal by U.S. President Joe Biden to end the conflict in Gaza, it necessitates careful consideration of the ramifications of such a refusal. According to an article in the left-leaning Israeli newspaper “Haaretz,” this rejection may force Israel, not only the International Criminal Court in The Hague, to be labeled a war criminal in the eyes of the international community.
The writer, Gideon Levy, considers this refusal a war crime and views Biden’s proposal as a last chance to save the prisoners and avoid further bloodshed. He suggests that rejecting this proposal means agreeing to continue the flow of Israeli soldiers’ and civilians’ blood in Gaza. It also signifies exacerbating the conflict with Hamas and the possibility of confrontations in the north with the Lebanese Hezbollah.
The U.S. proposal includes a timeline for a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the exchange of prisoners between the parties. Levy describes this proposal as artful and wise, considering it a final opportunity for peace and for Israel to escape the current situation causing significant losses.
Comparing Biden’s intentions with Israel’s positions, Levy sees the U.S. President’s intentions as pure, seeking peace, while describing Israel’s intentions as malicious, desiring to perpetuate the conflict. He also suggests that even Hamas shows greater willingness for peace compared to Israel, which increases suspicions about Netanyahu’s motives and reinforces concerns about the far-right extremists.
Levy anticipates that the United States will cease supporting Israel with weapons if Israel rejects the American proposal, viewing this scenario as the only way to end the current situation, which seems endless at present.
