Israeli Defense Minister: Hostage Deal Closer Amid Netanyahu-Hamas Tensions

Jul 17, 2024, 12:34 PM

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has indicated that a deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas is closer than ever, with no insurmountable security obstacles. This comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces criticism for allegedly sabotaging the deal due to political pressure from Itamar Ben-Gvir and to prevent the collapse of his government. Netanyahu reportedly stated that there is no rush for a deal as 'the hostages are suffering, but they are not dying,' a comment that has deeply hurt the families of the hostages. Mossad Chief David Barnea and other officials have stressed the urgency of the situation, highlighting that the female hostages held in Gaza do not have time to wait. The Israeli Defense Ministry has emphasized that recent IDF operations in Gaza have created favorable conditions for negotiating the hostages' release. The hostages have been surviving in tunnels for more than seven months. Gallant informed U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin that the conditions for a deal are now favorable, and Hamas has agreed to Israel's demand of no end to the war before Phase 1 of the deal.