Being obstinate and refusing to engage in any ceasefire deal with Hamas despite international pressure on Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is proving that his government has no commitment to bring back the hostages held by Hamas, with the latest remark stating that the government will not pay any price for their release."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reiterated their stance on not paying any price for the release of hostages still held in Gaza. The comments were made during ongoing negotiations aimed at securing the return of the 134 hostages remaining in Gaza.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich emphasized the importance of the hostages' return but insisted that they cannot be released "at any cost." He suggested that the way to secure their release is by escalating military pressure on Gaza and defeating Hamas, the armed group governing the blockaded strip.
The remarks from Smotrich drew criticism from opposition leader Yair Lapid and Minister Benny Gantz. Some families of the hostages, who have been pushing for a deal, expressed anger over the government's approach.
Prime Minister Netanyahu's office later released a statement echoing Smotrich's position, stating, "We are not willing to pay any price, certainly not the delusional cost that Hamas demands of us, which would mean defeat for the state of Israel."
This development comes as the United States plans to send its Middle East envoy to the region to continue talks involving the US, Egypt, Israel, and Qatar. The goal of these talks is to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages.
Israel reported that 1,200 people were killed, and 253 were abducted into Gaza during the October 7 Hamas-led attack on its towns. Since then, Israel's military offensive has resulted in the death of nearly 29,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian authorities, and significant damage to the blockaded enclave.
The most substantial release of hostages occurred during a week-long negotiated pause in the war in November when Hamas freed 110 Israelis and foreigners it had captured. The ongoing negotiations seek to find a resolution amid escalating tensions in the region.