What about the hostages? Netanyahu pushes back against pressure for ceasefire deal

The Debate

Are the gloves off in Israel? After the October 7th attack by Hamas, the nation put aside bitter differences. But after the killing of six Israeli hostages, cue the biggest protests since last year’s attempted judicial overhaul by Binyamin Netanyahu’s hard right government. Demonstrators accuse the prime minister of piling on demands to extend a war that has become his ticket to staying in power.

Netanyahu is doubling down on his decision to now prioritise the occupation of the Philadelphi corridor between Gaza and Egypt, while pushing back against growing pressure from allies. He has also called the UK’s decision to suspend certain arms exports licenses to Israel "shameful". What is the plan in London and Washington?

What is the plan for Netanyahu? Can he lead a divided nation in a war that is also involving the West Bank and the Lebanese border? With all the protests, does Netanyahu he still have the support to keep going?

Produced by Alessandro Xenos, Rebecca Gnignati and Juliette Brown.