Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken a firm stance on the possible release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
As reported by The Times of Israel, Netanyahu mentioned that while he is open to negotiating an agreement with Hamas, it will not be at the cost of Israel’s security.
Netanyahu’s position, conveyed to the families of the hostages, seeks to avoid compromising Israel’s security in any possible agreement with Hamas; Furthermore, he assured that political considerations would not hinder a viable agreement, but emphasized that no agreement that posed a threat to national security would be accepted.
This statement comes amid speculation about the formulation of an agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The proposed agreement with Israel
The proposed deal, as described by Mossad chief David Barnea, involves a 35-day truce, including the release of specific hostages.
It is worth mentioning that Netanyahu published a video statement this Wednesday in which he emphasized that “we are working to achieve another framework to free our captives, but I insist, not at any price.”
However, Netanyahu has rejected some aspects, such as the immediate release of all hostages, advocating a process in stages. His refusal to prioritize the release of hostages over other war goals, such as the elimination of Hamas and the demilitarization of Gaza, illustrates the complexity of the situation.
But the prime minister also said that if a good agreement was reached, he would approve it, “despite friction with far-right ministers who threaten to attack the government over the possible sacrifices Israel would have to make as part of the agreement.” .
“If there is an agreement that is good for the State of Israel, the return of the captives and the achievement of the goals of the war, I will do it, I don’t care,” Netanyahu said.
As of Wednesday evening, Hamas had not responded to an outline of a deal reportedly formulated and agreed to by representatives of Israel, the United States, Egypt and Qatar in Paris on Sunday.
The potential deal has sparked political controversy, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressing strong opposition.
Netanyahu’s insistence on not releasing thousands of terrorists has been questioned by sources close to the negotiations. Despite these challenges, discussions continue, and the fate of 132 hostages held by Hamas and the bodies of fallen IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians held since 2014 remain unresolved.
On Israel-Hamas negotiations
In the first phase, 35 hostages would be released in the middle of a 35-day truce.
The truce would be extended for another week to allow for talks on a second phase of releases, including members of civil defense squads, male hostages and hostages defined by Hamas as soldiers.
The number of Palestinian security prisoners in Israeli jails who will be released has not yet been decided, as Israel is willing to release a large number of minor criminals to keep more serious criminals imprisoned, while Hamas insists on the release of “quality” prisoners, including murderers and other people with blood on their hands.
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