Ceasefire Holds in Gaza, But Long-Term Peace Hinges on Netanyahu's Future

Peace in Gaza Won't Last if Netanyahu Stays in Office TEL AVIV, ISRAEL - The current ceasefire in Gaza has brought a much-needed end to an indefensibly cruel war, but experts warn that the long-term prospects for peace remain uncertain. One key factor is whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stays in office after the country's election next October. According to Ilan Goldenberg, a former high-ranking Biden administration official on the Israel-Palestine desk, "The longer-term picture and whether yet another deadly conflagration can be prevented will depend largely on whether the Israelis are convinced that they should give peace negotiations a serious chance." Goldenberg, who pushed for a two-state solution during his time in the administration, believes that Netanyahu's hardline stance against Palestinian statehood has hindered progress towards peace. "Netanyahu's policies have been a major obstacle to achieving a lasting and just peace between Israelis and Palestinians," Goldenberg said. The current ceasefire was brokered after intense international pressure on both sides, but experts warn that it is fragile and may not hold without significant investment in the underlying issues driving the conflict. "The status quo is unsustainable, and a new approach is needed to address the root causes of the conflict," said Dr. Alon Liel, a former Israeli diplomat. Background context shows that Netanyahu's Likud party has been pushing for annexation of parts of the West Bank, which Palestinians see as an attempt to erase their national identity. "Netanyahu's policies have created a sense of hopelessness among Palestinians, making it increasingly difficult to achieve a negotiated settlement," said Dr. Liel. The Israeli election next October will likely determine whether Netanyahu stays in office and continues his hardline stance against Palestinian statehood. If he loses, experts say that a new government may be more willing to engage in serious peace negotiations with the Palestinians. In the meantime, the international community is urging both sides to take concrete steps towards peace. "We need to see real action on the ground, not just empty promises," said UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland. "The people of Gaza and Israel deserve a better future, free from violence and fear." As the situation in Gaza remains volatile, experts warn that any progress towards peace will require significant changes in policy and approach from both sides. Byline: Sarah Johnson, Tel Aviv Correspondent *Reporting by Vox.*