DAY 171 OF THE GAZA WAR: UN CALLS FOR GAZA CEASEFIRE, US DOES NOT VETO, NETANYAHU TRIES TO SCORE POLITICAL POINTS, WEAPONS UNCOVERED, ROCKETS FIRED

Tel Aviv Diary, March 25, 2025

UN

The main story that dominated the news late today focused on the UN Resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza for the remainder of Ramadan and calling for the immediate release of all the Hamas-held hostages. Before the vote on the resolution, Bibi, being Bibi, demanded that the United States veto the resolution, or he would refuse to send the promised diplomatic delegation to Washington.

Israel complained that the UN Resolution did not require the ceasefire to be contingent upon the release of hostages but rather related to them in a separate independent clause. Washington decided not to veto the resolution (as it had done regarding previous UN resolutions, which did not include a call for the release of the hostages). Washington explained that their abstention did not reflect a change in US policy.

However, Netanyahu, had already climbed up a tree, declaring he would not dispatch the Israeli delegation to Washington if the US chose not to veto this UN resolution. So, in light of the US abstention, the Prime Minister announced that the diplomatic delegation (made up of Ron Derner and Tzachi Hanegbi) would not set out to Washington — as promised — to discuss options other than entering Rafah.

In truth, this outcome is probably just as well; both Dermer and Hanegbi are tied to Netanyahu’s hip. Most importantly, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who thinks independently of Netanyahu, is already in Washington and can discuss the spectrum of options for Gaza with the Americans. This latest move by Bibi reminds me of what Clinton once wrote about Netanyahu: “Who does he think is the superpower here?” It must be noted that Gantz opposed Netanyahu’s decision to hold back the Israeli delegation to DC.

Gantz tweeted:

The State of Israel has a moral obligation to continue fighting until the hostages are returned and the threat of Hamas is removed, and that is what we will do.

The UN Security Council's decision has no operational significance for us. In any case, we will continue to listen to our friends, and we will always do what is right for Israel's security.

At the same time, it is important to remember – the special relationship between Israel and the United States is an anchor in Israel's security and foreign relations. The direct dialogue with the American administration is an essential asset that must not be given up, even when there are challenges and disputes.

The USA did well to make it clear that a ceasefire would be held dependant upon the return of the hostages.

It is good that our Minister of Defense is now in the US, and will be able to discuss with senior government officials the political and security issues at hand, as well as our need to continue combat.

Not only is it right for the Israeli delegation to travel to Washington – The Prime Minister would do well if he, himself traveled to the USA, and held a direct dialogue with President Biden and the senior administration officials. This is true routinely, and it is certainly true now when the weight of US support for Israel is so critical.

For a moment … Let’s review American-Israel relations since October 7th. To date, the US has provided Israel with everything needed to defeat Hamas and keep Hezbollah at bay — i.e., political, military, and moral support. The Biden administration has granted Israel greater support any other US administration, ever. The US requested three things in return: 1) a plan, any plan for “the day after” in Gaza, 2) a significant plan to deal with Gaza’s impending humanitarian needs, and 3) speed in accomplishing the mission as swiftly as possible.

What did the Biden administration get in return? Netanyahu’s total refusal to devise a plan for the day after. Moreover, Israel has put forward no plan to deal with the humanitarian challenges building in Gaza. Lastly, albeit cautious, the IDF is now conducting the slowest military campaign in Israel’s history.

Netanyahu is unable to fulfill America’s first request because there is no plan, that is any realistic plan, to which the right-wing members of his cabinet would agree. Regarding humanitarian aid, the Israeli government appears to think that if we merely do not block aid entering Gaza, that is all that is required. Netanyahu seems to believe it is unnecessary for us to take concrete steps, as the major military power in Gaza, to help in the distribution of aid.  Finally, as to the speed of the military mission, I distinctly remember when we promised the Americans we would complete the operation by mid-January… at the latest, perhaps the end of January. I cannot explain why the Army has been so slow, nor can any of the former military officers I know. Politically, a confrontation with Washington helps Netanyahu with his base, up to a point. Yet beyond his base, I don't think ignoring and disrespecting America benefits the Prime Minister. However, I will never underestimate Netanyahu’s political skill, regardless of what I think of Netanyahu as a leader.

HOSTAGES

This evening, Hamas declared its refusal to accept the most recent proposal for exchanging hostages, insisting instead on the fulfillment of its initial, most extensive demands. They are clearly being buoyed by the international pressure on Israel for an unconditional ceasefire.