Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allegedly obstructed a potential hostage deal with Hamas that could have led to the release of two Israeli civilians and the bodies of two soldiers held in Gaza since 2014 and 2016 respectively. This revelation was published last month by Israeli newspaper Haaretz, sparking controversy and debate within the political landscape.
The negotiation, which took place in July 2021, was reportedly a few steps away from completion before Netanyahu intervened. It involved a prisoner swap that would have seen the return of two Israeli citizens, Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, along with the bodies of soldiers Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul. They have been held captive in Gaza by Hamas, a Palestinian group regarded by many countries, including Israel and the United States, as a terrorist organization.
Regarding the details of the obstructed deal, Haaretz reported that Netanyahu initiated two meetings along with the negotiator Yaron Blum, who has been entrusted by the Israeli Government to return the Israeli hostages and fallen soldiers from Gaza. These meetings were held in direct opposition to the advice of senior defense officials, who were seriously considering accepting the deal with Hamas.
According to Haaretz, Gazan fisherman’s access to the sea – a highly contentious issue due to Israel’s long-standing blockade of Gaza fishing zones was one of the crucial aspects of the deal. The deal proposed an extension of fishing zones off the Gaza Strip’s coast, which would have been highly beneficial for Gaza’s impoverished fishing communities.
Netanyahu’s interruption is considered by some as a political maneuver, as he was heading towards a national election at that point. Some critics suggest that his intervention was driven more by political considerations rather than national security interests. They contend that Netanyahu might have feared an electoral backlash if he appeared to be ceding too much to Hamas.
These revelations could have significant implications for Netanyahu’s political future. Once considered the ‘Teflon’ Prime Minister due to his ability to remain in power despite numerous crises, Netanyahu is now facing criticism and backlash as details of the derailed deal unfold.
Moreover, these reports place the issue of the captivity of both the civilians and the bodies of the soldiers back into the spotlight, highlighting the significant challenges the Israeli government and its citizens face.
The derailment of the potential deal by Netanyahu also intensifies the ongoing tension and conflict between Israel and Hamas, demonstrating the complexity of political dynamics in this region.
However, despite this setback, there remains hope for further negotiations. Several parties, including those representing the captured citizens and soldiers’ families, continue their push for the Israeli government to negotiate the release. As the full fallout from Netanyahu’s alleged manoeuvre unfolds, the Israeli public and global community will closely watch the next steps from all involved parties.
In concluding, this event demonstrates the intricate and delicate balance of power that frames negotiations between Israel and Hamas. However, public scrutiny and the persistent demand for closure by the affected families underscore the urgency and importance of securing the release of these hostages.
