Netanyahu's "fear of Trump is greater than his fear of his extreme right-wing coalition partners," Israeli expert told Newsweek.
Israel's prime minister has been accused of prioritizing his own political survival and the unity of his fractious right-wing Cabinet over bringing the hostages home.
Netanyahu said he will convene with his Security Cabinet on Friday and the Israeli government will then approve the agreement, AP reports.
Envoy Steve Witkoff, carrying a message from Donald Trump, broke through the impasse in long-futile cease-fire talks.
The problem for Netanyahu is Netanyahu. Consumed by the desire to stay in power, he has been wedged between overwhelming public demand for the hostages to be released, and those who keep him in power—his coalition partners.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says a "deal to release the hostages" has been agreed. Netanyahu had delayed a cabinet vote to approve the Gaza ceasefire deal, due on Thursday, accusing Hamas of seeking last-minute changes to the agreement.
Outgoing Democratic U.S. President Joe Biden said on Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "has to find a way to accommodate the legitimate concerns" of Palestinians for the long term sustainability of Israel.
President Biden said in an MSNBC interview that he pushed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prevent civilian deaths during the Gaza war. He also defended his steadfast support for Israel.
Follow NBC News' live coverage as Israel and Hamas reach an agreement on the ceasefire deal after Israel delayed vote.
Israel’s cabinet approved an agreement on a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip that would free Israeli hostages, ending two days of debate that had underscored the pact’s fragility. The full cabinet endorsed the deal hours after the security cabinet had approved it.
Israel’s Cabinet approved a deal early Saturday for a ceasefire in Gaza that would release dozens of hostages held there and pause the 15-month war with Hamas, bringing the sides a step closer to ending their deadliest and most destructive fighting ever.