Despite Growing Opposition
Israeli Prime Minister dismisses Hamas's offer to release all 59 remaining hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire, calling it a "surrender" that would endanger Israel's security
In a defiant late-night televised address on Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas's proposal to release all remaining hostages in exchange for ending the Gaza war, insisting Israel has "no choice" but to continue fighting. The decision comes amid mounting pressure from hostage families and growing domestic opposition to the 18-month-long conflict that Hamas claims has killed over 51,000 Palestinians.
Key Developments in the Hostage Negotiations
Hamas's latest proposal would have seen the release of all 59 remaining hostages, including Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander, in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza The Daily Beast1. This follows the rejection earlier in the week of an Israeli offer for a temporary 45-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of just 10 hostages CNN2.
In his address, Netanyahu claimed that Hamas had rejected an alternative Israeli proposal that would have freed half of the living hostages while maintaining Israel's military presence in Gaza. "Hamas rejected the proposal and is sticking to its extreme demands," Netanyahu stated, though Hamas officials have disputed this characterization Times of Israel3.
The Prime Minister was particularly critical of the demand for a complete Israeli withdrawal, saying: "Hamas demands the complete withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces from Gaza, including the Philadelphi Corridor, and the security buffer that protects Israeli communities from Hamas terror" The Daily Beast1.
Global Reactions to Netanyahu's Decision
The decision has sparked intense reactions both domestically and internationally. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents relatives of those still held in Gaza, issued a scathing response: "Many words and slogans will not be able to hide the simple fact — Netanyahu has no plan" Times of Israel4.
Just hours before Netanyahu's speech, Hamas released another hostage video showing Israeli captive Elkana Bohbot pleading for his life. His family questioned, "How much longer will he be expected to wait and stay strong?" The Daily Beast1.
The United States, which has been mediating ceasefire efforts, appears increasingly frustrated. According to U.S. officials cited in recent reports, there is growing impatience with the lack of progress in hostage negotiations The Guardian5.
"This is not just about the hostages anymore; it's about the sustainability of the entire approach to the conflict," said a U.S. State Department official speaking on condition of anonymity. "Every day without a deal increases the risk that more hostages won't come home alive."
Expert Insights on Netanyahu's Strategy
Political analysts suggest that Netanyahu's rejection of the deal is driven by both security concerns and political calculations. "Netanyahu is caught between two existential pressures," explains Dr. Yossi Mekelberg, professor of international relations at Regent's University London. "On one hand, bringing the hostages home is a national priority. On the other, his political survival depends on maintaining the support of far-right coalition partners who oppose any concessions to Hamas."
Military experts note that the war has entered what some call a "strategic stalemate." While Israel has degraded Hamas's capabilities, the militant group maintains a presence in parts of Gaza and continues to hold dozens of hostages.
"The Israeli military can't eliminate Hamas completely through military means alone," notes retired IDF General Amir Avivi. "But Netanyahu fears that ending the war now would allow Hamas to regroup and potentially pose an even greater threat in the future."
Critics of the Prime Minister point to his ongoing corruption trial as a factor in his decision-making. "There's a widespread perception that prolonging the war serves Netanyahu's personal interest in delaying his trial and maintaining his coalition," says Israeli political commentator Dahlia Scheindlin The Daily Beast1.
Future Implications of Continued Conflict
The decision to continue the war has significant implications for multiple stakeholders. For the 59 hostages, who have now been held for 561 days since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, each passing day diminishes their chances of survival under harsh captivity conditions.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with the Hamas-controlled health ministry reporting that over 1,600 Palestinians have been killed in the past month alone The Daily Beast1. International aid organizations warn of severe shortages of food, medicine, and clean water.
For Israel, prolonging the conflict risks further international isolation and internal division. Thousands of Israeli military reservists and retirees have signed public letters calling for a ceasefire deal to prioritize the return of the hostages CNN6.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu announced that Israeli Defense Forces have been instructed to "intensify operations across Gaza," signaling a potential escalation rather than winding down of military activities The Daily Beast1.
A Nation Divided Over Path Forward
As the war approaches its 19th month, Israel finds itself increasingly divided over how to proceed. While Netanyahu insists that "ending the war under these surrender conditions would send a message to all of Israel's enemies that abducting Israelis can bring Israel to its knees," growing segments of Israeli society are questioning whether military victory is possible at all The Daily Beast1.
Public demonstrations calling for a hostage deal have grown larger in recent weeks, with protesters accusing the government of prioritizing military objectives over the lives of captives. Former security officials have joined these calls, arguing that the primary national goal should be bringing the hostages home.
As both sides dig in for what appears to be a prolonged conflict, the fundamental question remains: Can Israel achieve its stated goals of eliminating Hamas and returning all hostages through continued military action, or is a negotiated solution the only viable path forward?
