Was Netanyahu Genuinely Unaware of IDF's Plan to Pause Fighting?

In a surprising turn of events, Israeli military announced on Sunday that it would "pause" fighting during daytime hours along a key humanitarian aid corridor in sourn Gaza. This pause, communicated through military’s English and Arabic-language channels, is aimed at facilitating increased distribution of food aid in Gaza. International organizations have raised alarms about dire hunger situation re.

However, initial announcement led to confusion. A follow-up clarification in Hebrew stated that change did not mean an end to fighting in sourn Gaza Strip, particularly in city of Rafah, where military operations continue. According to military officials, daily pauses from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. are solely for humanitarian purposes.

situation became more complex when government indicated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might have only learned of military’s plan from news reports. This has led to speculation and debate about wher he was truly unaware.

Was Netanyahu truly unaware? 

According to a report from New York Times, analysts believe it is unlikely that Netanyahu was completely in dark. y suggest that different announcements were meant for varied audiences. contrasting messages highlight competing pressures on Netanyahu as he navigates demands from Biden ministration and global community, while also managing his own hawkish government. His far-right coalition partners strongly oppose any concessions in Gaza, and Netanyahu relies on ir support to maintain his position.

“It’s classic Bibi,” said Amos Harel, military affairs analyst for Haaretz. Harel, along with or experts, believes that prime minister was probably informed about plan, even if he wasn't briefed on specific timing of tactical change.

“He has a mask for every occasion,” Harel ded. “For Americans, he needs to show he is doing more to get aid in. For Israeli audience he can say ‘I didn’t know’ and go for plausible deniability.”

Is Netanyahu attempting to strike a balance?

new policy for humanitarian corridor went into effect on Saturdays. Yet, Netanyahu suggested that he only became aware of se plans on Sunday morning.

announcement and Netanyahu's reaction to it reflects delicate balancing act Netanyahu is attempting to strike. While international community urges for more aid and humanitarian efforts, his domestic coalition demands a firm stance against Gaza.

Experts argue that it is highly unlikely that Netanyahu didn't preapprove plan.