An Israeli diplomatic official responded Sunday to criticism aimed at the government for considering halting an operation in the Gazan city of Rafah if a hostage release deal with Hamas were to be reached.
“The preparations for entering Rafah are ongoing. In any potential deal, Israel will maintain its war objectives,” the official stated.
Earlier Sunday, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the Egyptian proposal for a hostage release deal, which would entail a ceasefire preventing Israeli military entry into Rafah.
In a recorded message to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Smotrich stated, “Mr. Prime Minister, all previous Egyptian mediation agreements, allowing Hamas to survive and rearm, resulting in repeated attacks on Israeli citizens, resemble what has transpired over the past two decades. This contradicts our commitments.”
Smotrich’s remarks followed reports from the Arab newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat that the US and Egypt had intensified pressure on Hamas to agree to a hostage release deal, avoiding Israeli military intervention in Rafah.
According to the report, Egyptian mediators emphasized to Hamas that this was the most favorable deal available. Failure to comply would permit legal Israeli entry into Rafah.
The report also suggested Egypt would propose a phased agreement, with the initial phase involving hostage release for a ceasefire. Other issues, such as hostilities cessation or Gaza control post-ceasefire, would be deferred to a later phase.
Minister Benny Gantz, chairman of the National Unity Party, commented on the government’s opposition to the Egyptian proposal for a hostage release deal.
“Gaining entry into Rafah is crucial in our ongoing struggle against Hamas. However, the return of our hostages, neglected by the government since October 7th, is of paramount importance,” Gantz asserted.
“If a responsible plan for hostage return, endorsed by all security forces and without ending the conflict, is reached, and ministers from the October 7th government block it, then this administration lacks the legitimacy to continue leading the military campaign,” he concluded.