Benjamin Netanyahu has stirred political controversy by declaring that his top priority as prime minister of Israel is defeating its enemies instead of freeing hostages held captive by Hamas or other militant groups.
At a late Tuesday security cabinet meeting, Netanyahu declared: “Our paramount objective must be total victory against those who seek our destruction. Hostage release should not come at the cost of Israel’s security or long-term survival.
Comment by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu during negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, where Israeli civilians and soldiers remain captive after Hamas’s October 7 cross-border attack that triggered this ongoing conflict. Families of hostages responded angrily by accusing Netanyahu of disregarding their loved ones’ safety in favor of military expansion.
Noam Cohen, who lost his sister at a Kibbutz near Gaza’s border, expressed his deep displeasure with Prime Minister Netanyahu for failing to protect its citizens by returning them home from abductions through means other than force. “He seems to have forgotten his state’s responsibility–not just through physical force but by returning these citizens home.”
Opposition leaders also condemned Netanyahu’s position. Yair Lapid, leader of Yesh Atid party, noted a disturbing shift in priorities: Hostages must remain a national priority and every day they remain captive is both morally and politically indefensible,” according to Lapid’s statements at a press conference.
Israel has recently escalated its military campaign in Gaza, with airstrikes and ground operations targeting Hamas infrastructure. While IDF personnel claim to have dismantled key Hamas strongholds, hostages still remain scattered among tunnels and civilian areas making rescue operations extremely hazardous.
Though Netanyahu and his right-wing supporters generally back his strategy of seeking “total victory” against Hamas, increasing numbers of Israelis, including former military officials, are calling for a shift in approach. “Without an established plan to return hostages safely home,” noted retired General Amos Gilad.
The Biden administration, which has played a pivotal role in mediating indirect talks between Israel and Hamas via Qatari and Egyptian mediators, has placed special emphasis on hostage releases; however, Netanyahu’s latest remarks could thwart those efforts.
Late Tuesday night in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, protests erupted as relatives of hostages as well as peace activists demanded an immediate humanitarian pause so as to prioritize negotiations.
As public pressure builds, Netanyahu faces the delicate task of striking a balance between military objectives and an increasingly vocal call for compassion and accountability at home.