Netanyahu Under Fire: US Pressure Forces Israel into Gaza Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchange Deal

Watan–Amid intense American pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was forced to make significant concessions to approve a prisoner exchange deal and a ceasefire in Gaza, sparking a wave of anger and division within Israel. The Hebrew press described the decision as a “humiliating submission” to Washington’s dictates, particularly following a tense meeting between Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy.

Israeli reports revealed that the United States insisted on ending the war before January 20, the date of Trump’s official inauguration, to ensure regional stability in the coming period. This pressure led Netanyahu to agree to a deal involving a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza in exchange for the release of prisoners and detainees, prompting criticism from opponents within the Israeli government who accused him of “yielding to Hamas.”

Ariel Segal, a journalist close to Netanyahu, stated that “Israel is being forced to accept the deal under the threat of American pressure,” adding that the country is “being politically coerced” to implement the agreement. Meanwhile, Israeli Settlement Minister Orit Strock criticized the deal, calling it a “victory for Hamas,” while others described it as a “waste of Israeli military efforts in Gaza.”

Media leaks indicate that the Israeli army has already begun withdrawing from several areas in the Gaza Strip, with a full withdrawal expected once the deal is fully implemented. The agreement includes an immediate ceasefire and measures to ease the blockade on Gaza and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid.

Internal opposition to Netanyahu is growing, with severe criticism from his coalition partners, who view the agreement as a “collapse of Israeli military plans.” However, American and international pressure has made the deal an irreversible reality, as Washington seeks to ensure stability before Trump officially assumes office.

In this context, Israel appears to be moving toward ending the war in Gaza, but in the worst possible way for Netanyahu, who finds himself cornered between American pressure and internal opposition, posing an unprecedented threat to his political future.