Israel’s security Cabinet voted last night in favor of a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, potentially ending almost 11 days of hostilities with Hamas. The decision was taken after days of international pressure, with US President Joe Biden actively campaigning for a truce. When Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu realized that the limited credit line issued by the “bank of America” had run out, i.e., that Washington was losing its patience, he opted for a cease-fire. Still, deeply familiar with Israeli public opinion, Netanyahu sought cover behind the leaders of Israel’s defense agencies. The statement issued by his office late on May 20, explained that the security Cabinet had voted for a cease-fire with Hamas, “on the recommendations” of the security chiefs.

Operation Guardian of the Walls was put to sleep a mere 10 days after it began, for various reasons. In military terms, the campaign had run its course. Absent a ground offensive and an attempt for face-to-face engagement with Hamas, there was no longer any point to the mutual pounding Hamas and Israel had delivered since May 10. This, in addition to Biden’s limited patience, led to a stalemate.

Apparently, contrary to various Israeli media reports, Biden did not issue Netanyahu with a stern ultimatum to end the offensive. Reportedly, in his fourth conversation with Netanyahu May 19, Biden said he would be pleased to see the violence in Gaza winding down. Netanyahu explained, at length, Israel’s goals and the unbearable situation in which Israel repeatedly finds itself vis-a-vis the Palestinian terrorists ruling the Gaza Strip and lobbing rockets at Israel. The president avoided unequivocal or harsh language, summing up the call by saying he expected calm to be restored by the end of the week. Netanyahu muttered something noncommittal in response, but Biden got his wish. On May 20, just prior to the start of the security Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu finally made a wise move. He called Biden, informed him that Israel would agree to a cease-fire and gave him credit for the move.

The day before, Netanyahu was still trying to maintain the tough guy image he had nurtured during the Barack Obama presidency. Responding to reports that Biden had demanded an end to the Israeli offensive on Gaza, Netanyahu tweeted, “I am determined to continue this operation until its goal is achieved.”