Netanyahu Agrees to Landmark Peace Deal with US, Charting Unprecedented Path for Palestinian Statehood

NETANYAHU'S PEACE DEAL: A TURNING POINT FOR ISRAEL? Jerusalem - In a surprise move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to a peace deal with the United States on Monday, outlining a pathway for Palestinian statehood and a role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza. The agreement has sparked both praise and criticism from various quarters, with some hailing it as a historic breakthrough and others warning of its potential consequences. According to sources close to the negotiations, Netanyahu's far-right allies have threatened to leave and possibly collapse his government if he makes too many concessions in ending the war. Coalition partners like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have made little secret of their desire to annex Gaza, drive out Palestinians, and re-establish Jewish settlements there. Netanyahu's deal with the US has been met with skepticism by some of his own allies. "This is a betrayal of everything we stand for," said Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the far-right New Right party. "We will not support any agreement that gives in to Palestinian demands or recognizes their right to statehood." However, others see the deal as a necessary step towards peace. "For too long, Israel has been isolated and ostracized by the international community," said Yair Lapid, leader of the centrist Blue and White party. "This agreement is a chance for us to re-engage with the world and find a path towards lasting peace." The deal itself outlines both Palestinian statehood and a role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, though with heavy caveats. The agreement also includes provisions for the annexation of parts of the West Bank and the establishment of Jewish settlements. Netanyahu's decision to agree to the deal has been met with praise from US President Donald Trump, who hailed it as "a major breakthrough" and a testament to his administration's commitment to Middle East peace. However, not everyone is convinced. Critics argue that the deal will lead to further instability in the region and undermine Israel's security. "This agreement is a recipe for disaster," said former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon. "It will only embolden Palestinian extremism and make it harder for us to defend ourselves." As the dust settles on this historic agreement, one thing is clear: Netanyahu's decision to agree to a peace deal has set in motion a chain of events that could have far-reaching consequences for Israel and the region. In related news, Israeli lawmakers are expected to debate the agreement in the coming days, with some calling for its immediate approval and others vowing to block it. The fate of Netanyahu's government remains uncertain, with his far-right allies threatening to leave if he makes too many concessions. As the situation unfolds, one thing is certain: the future of Middle East peace hangs in the balance, and only time will tell whether this historic agreement will bring about lasting change or further instability. *Reporting by Bbc.*