Netanyahu Policy
Why is Israel maintaining its military presence in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement?
Israel has decided to maintain its presence at five strategic positions along the Lebanon border, despite a US-brokered ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah that required full withdrawal by February 18. These locations, situated on high ground overlooking Lebanese territory, are considered vital to Israel's security. Prime Minister Netanyahu justified this decision by insisting that Israel will do whatever necessary to enforce the ceasefire, even though the original agreement stipulated that Lebanon's military and UN peacekeepers would take control of the region after Israeli withdrawal.
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WION
03:53 - 04:53
What is the stance of the United States and Israel regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions?
Both the United States and Israel maintain a firm position that 'there can never be a nuclear Iran' that could hold itself immune from pressure and action. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has aligned with this stance, emphasizing the existential threat a nuclear Iran would pose to regional stability. This unified position was recently reinforced when President Donald Trump reinstated the 'maximum pressure campaign' specifically designed to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. US officials have repeatedly clarified that this policy represents a non-negotiable security priority, with bipartisan support exemplified by comments from Senator Rubio backing these preventative measures.
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WION
02:04 - 02:33
What is the current state of Gaza ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas?
The Israeli prime minister recently dispatched a negotiating team for phase two of ceasefire talks after weeks of delay. Netanyahu reportedly wants to extend phase one to release more captives, while Hamas is adamant about proceeding with the full deal as originally structured. Families of Israeli captives are pressuring Netanyahu to see the deal through, speaking in parliament and at protests, arguing it's the only way to ensure the release of their loved ones. Meanwhile, there remains uncertainty about Israel's specific objectives for phase two, creating tension between the government's military goals and the urgency expressed by captives' families.
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Al Jazeera English
04:19 - 04:57
What is Israel's political reaction to Hamas's ceasefire proposal?
While there has been no official Israeli response to Hamas's ceasefire proposal, the idea is unpopular within Israeli political circles, especially among the right wing. The proposal, which would end the war while leaving Hamas in power both militarily and politically in Gaza, contradicts Prime Minister Netanyahu's stated objective. Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasized that Israel is committed to achieving the absolute destruction of Hamas in both military and political aspects. This stance complicates negotiations as the current Israeli government appears unwilling to accept any agreement that would allow Hamas to maintain control in Gaza after the conflict ends.
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Al Jazeera English
03:56 - 04:17
What strategy is Hamas employing in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations?
Hamas is demonstrating flexibility by releasing four Israeli captives' remains ahead of schedule, hoping this will help mediators pressure Israel to fulfill its obligations in the ceasefire agreement. Specifically, Hamas aims to ensure Israel allows mobile homes, tents, and heavy equipment into Gaza as part of humanitarian aid commitments. Meanwhile, families of Israeli captives continue to apply pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to finalize a deal that would secure the release of all remaining captives. This strategic move by Hamas attempts to position Israel as the party failing to comply with agreed terms, potentially strengthening Hamas's negotiating position.
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Al Jazeera English
01:29 - 01:54
What efforts are being made to secure the release of Israeli captives from Hamas?
Families of Israeli captives are maintaining pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate a comprehensive deal that would bring home all remaining captives. In response, Israel is taking concrete steps by dispatching Ron Dermer, Netanyahu's confidant and Minister of Strategic Affairs, to lead negotiations on phase two of the ceasefire agreement. These negotiations appear to involve potential prisoner exchanges as part of a broader effort to secure the captives' release while addressing ceasefire conditions. The involvement of a high-ranking official like Dermer underscores the strategic importance Israel is placing on these sensitive talks.
Watch clip answer (00:20m)Al Jazeera English
01:44 - 02:04