Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement on Saturday evening to the Israeli public, offering an explanation of the recent cabinet approval for the hostage release deal. The statement came following a government meeting that reviewed the details of the deal, which has faced both support and opposition from within the coalition.
Netanyahu opened his statement by reflecting on the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the strength and determination of the Israeli people. “Out of the terrible disaster, the immense power of the people’s spirit and the supreme heroism of our fighters were revealed,” Netanyahu said. “In the War of Rebirth, we make it clear to our enemy and the entire world that when the people of Israel stand together, there is no force that can break us.”
The Prime Minister went on to discuss the importance of the hostage release agreement, calling it a “war goal” that has driven him throughout his life. "The sacred mission of releasing the kidnapped has accompanied me all my life," Netanyahu explained, highlighting his personal commitment, alongside his wife Sarah, to the cause. To date, 157 abductees have been returned, 117 of whom are alive, with 33 more set to return in the next phase of the deal.
Opposition Within the Government
The statement was released shortly after Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Minister of National Security, announced that he and his party, Otzma Yehudit, planned to resign from the government and coalition. Ben-Gvir’s opposition to the hostage deal stems from his concerns over the release of Palestinian prisoners as part of the agreement. His resignation could deepen existing divisions within the coalition.
Uncertainty Over First Group of Hostages
Despite the cabinet’s approval, the implementation of the deal is still in question. As of Saturday evening, Israel has not yet received the list of the three hostages who are scheduled to be released on Sunday, when a ceasefire in Gaza is set to begin. The government has emphasized that the deal cannot move forward without receiving the list, which Hamas is obligated to provide to Qatar one day before the release.
Prime Minister Netanyahu underscored Israel’s stance on the matter, stating, “We will not move forward with the outline until we receive the list of the hostages who will be released, as agreed. Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. The sole responsibility lies with Hamas.”
The Role of Qatar in Ensuring Compliance
As part of the agreement, Hamas has pledged to transfer the list of hostages to Qatar, which will then submit the list for approval by the Israeli negotiating team. Once approved, the team will update the families of the hostages, and the Israeli authorities will finalize preparations for their return. The deal stipulates that the release of Palestinian prisoners will take place only after the hostages are handed over to IDF forces.
Qatar’s involvement extends beyond facilitating the list; Israeli officials have stressed that Qatar must ensure Hamas adheres to the agreement and does not manipulate the process.
IDF and Shin Bet Preparation for Hostage Release
Once the list is received and approved, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet will complete their security assessments and begin preparing for the hostages' return. The release of Palestinian prisoners is scheduled to follow shortly after the handover of the first group of hostages.
As negotiations continue, Israeli officials are closely monitoring the situation, with the hope that the deal can be implemented swiftly and in full accordance with the terms set out.
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