Benjamin Netanyahu aide says Joe Biden's Gaza plan is 'not a good deal,' but Israel accepts it
USA TodayMay 21
Kirby: No 'Gaps' Between Israeli Proposal and Biden Speech
Above: Israel's Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir speaks during an event honoring the families of Police Officers, fire fighters and prison guards at the Israeli parliament on June 3, 2024 in Jerusalem. Image copyright: Amir Levy/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Israeli media reported on Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a meeting of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that the cease-fire proposal presented by US Pres. Joe Biden is "incomplete."
Netanyahu reportedly added that there were "gaps" between the Israeli version and Biden's version of the proposal. However, US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Monday that Biden's speech "accurately reflects that [Israeli] proposal."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
A guaranteed end to the war will ensure increased humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, preserve Israel's security, and create a better "day after" in Gaza without Hamas in power. If Hamas is ready to engage constructively, the Israeli government must stand behind the cease-fire plan. Biden is calling time on the war — Netanyahu must seize this moment and stop the fighting.
Pro-Israel narrative
Biden's deception threatens Israel's very existence. If this deal goes through, Hamas will stay in power, and the security situation will return to the status quo of Oct. 6. However, unlike in the past, Israel would have no deterrence against terrorist threats. Israel must push ahead and destroy Hamas entirely.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Though this deal, which is nearly identical to earlier proposals that Hamas has already agreed to, must go through, it is too little too late. Israel has massacred over 35K Palestinians in Gaza, yet it has taken months even to approach a deal due to Israeli intransigence. Regardless of how this war ends, Israel must face accountability for its many crimes.