Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich made it clear on Wednesday that he will oppose any agreement with Hamas that does not include the release of all hostages, responding to the announcement by US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff about a new proposed deal between Israel and Hamas.
“We need to continue tightening the rope around Hamas’ neck and force it into a complete surrender deal with all the hostages at once,” he wrote in a post on X.
“It would be delusional folly to release pressure now and sign a partial deal with it [Hamas] that would give it oxygen and a lifeline and allow him to recover. I will not allow such a thing to happen. Period.”
In contrast, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar offered a different take, saying that if there’s a viable opportunity to secure hostage releases, it should be taken. According to him, this aligns with the sentiments of most Israelis.
“Actions should be taken according to national interests, not according to political pressure and threats,” he added.
Sa’ar emphasized that Prime Minister Netanyahu is not at risk of losing his governing coalition over the issue. “[Some] 600 days after the start of the fighting — he has no excuse,” he wrote. “He must accept the American proposal and advance a plan that will bring back all the hostages.”
Speaking to the press, Witkoff expressed optimism about the possibility of a temporary truce in Gaza.
The updated proposal is the result of recent meetings in Washington between Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Witkoff, along with separate negotiations led by Bishara Bahbah in Qatar involving Hamas leadership.
According to terms previously floated, the initial phase of the deal would see 10 live hostages released in exchange for a 60-day cessation of hostilities.
However, the key dispute remains unresolved: what should occur at the end of that two-month truce if both sides are unable to finalize a broader agreement.
{Matzav.com}
