Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “trapped in a course of action from which no one can see a way out”.
“The [Israeli] government is continuing with its policy of eliminating Hamas absolutely and returning the hostages as well – believing that both could be done,” he says. “But the evidence would suggest that’s not the case.”
Others have speculated the reason Mr Netanyahu is refusing to do another deal is he is more focused on his legacy.
Mr Burt says: “He’s been very clear that there is only one course to victory.
“Many believe that is an impossible course. But he is supported in that by a number of others in his coalition, and two far-right ministers in particular, who would react very strongly if he came to the sort of agreement that is being spoken about.
“So personally he is trapped because he wants to keep the coalition going.
“And he wants to stay in office because he has other pressing issues that would come to be dealt with if he lost office.
“But all this adds to the agony of the conflict that has cost thousands of lives both in Gaza and Israel.”
Asked whether Mr Netanyahu could be swayed by the strikes, he says while they are “very significant” his response will be difficult to predict.
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