Politicians for and against a hostage deal pressured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday in an attempt to influence talks in Washington and Doha.
Far-right National Security Minister MK Itamar Ben-Gvir pressured the prime minister not to go through with what he claimed was a “reckless” deal.
“The more reckless deals are negotiated, the greater the motivation for Hamas terrorists to carry out additional kidnappings, and last night, that cost us the life of an IDF soldier who was killed during a kidnapping attempt,” Ben-Gvir said in a statement, referring to the killing and attempted kidnapping of soldier Avraham Azulay on Wednesday.
“Prime Minister, enough negotiating with a murderous terrorist organization and seeking a deal that will revive and strengthen it. The lives of our soldiers and the residents of the South are more important than any normalization or economic agreements. Give the order to crush Hamas completely. We have no surplus fighters to lose in reckless deals!” Ben-Gvir concluded.
He later clarified, “Contrary to the fake news, I did not blame the Prime Minister for the attempt to kidnap our soldiers. The Prime Minister works tirelessly for Israel’s security, but regarding the emerging deal, I voiced sharp criticism. My words were clear and simple: when negotiating with Hamas for deals that release terrorists and withdraw our forces, it whets their appetite for further kidnappings. It is indeed harsh criticism—but by no means an ugly blood libel or distortion of my words.”
Sa'ar: Netanyahu must ignore political pressures, threats and release hostages
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar countered in a post on X, “[I] Strengthen the Prime Minister, who is on an important diplomatic mission in Washington. The Prime Minister must ignore political pressures and threats in the effort to achieve a framework for the release of hostages—one that reflects the will of the majority in the government and the public, and aligns with the national interest.”
Opposition party leader MK Benny Gantz (Blue and White) said in a video statement, “Prime Minister, don’t return until there is a framework for the return of all the hostages. Stay and keep up the pressure in Washington, fly to Doha—this opportunity must not be missed. You have the support of the people, and you’ll have political backing as well. As I said—bold and important moves will not be hindered by petty politics,” Gantz said.