Netanyahu Rejected Hostage Deal
Leaked meeting protocols reveal that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blocked a proposal during a March ceasefire that could have freed all hostages in Gaza and paused the war, Israel’s Channel 13 reported on Monday, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency
The documents show that top Israeli security officials believed a comprehensive deal was achievable and supported advancing to a second phase of the truce. This phase involved ending the war in exchange for releasing more captives. Netanyahu opposed the move, despite military and intelligence leaders urging to prioritize the hostages’ return and resume fighting later if necessary.
“We can easily return to the war. Let’s get everyone back first,” then-Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar reportedly said. However, Netanyahu’s government chose to resume military operations on March 18, shortly after the first phase ended.
The report also stated that Israel’s broader strategy — relying on humanitarian pressure to force Hamas to surrender — has failed, weakening Israel’s global standing without delivering military gains.
Israel estimates that 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with about 20 believed to be alive. Rights groups say over 10,800 Palestinians are detained in Israeli prisons, many under inhumane conditions.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum called the revelations “deeply alarming,” accusing the government of sabotaging viable deals and misleading the public. “Since the previous deal ended, 50 soldiers have died, no captives have returned, and there have been no military achievements,” it said.
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed nearly 61,000 Palestinians since October 7, 2023, and left the enclave on the brink of famine. Netanyahu now faces arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court, while Israel is also being tried for genocide at the International Court of Justice.
