At war both within and without, Israel is experiencing a brutal coming of age | Simon Tisdall

In alienating vital allies over Gaza, Netanyahu is delighting those hoping for his country's collapse

It is widely predicted that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's fractious, rightwing ruling coalition will not survive acceptance of an extended Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release deal with Hamas, as tentatively proposed by Arab mediators last week.

Far-right politicians such as the national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, are vowing to collapse the government rather than condone what they claim would be a victory for terrorism after the 7 October atrocities. Opponents fervently hope they carry out their threat.