Netanyahu Cautious on Hostage Deal Amid Coalition Rifts, Reports Reuters

JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that Israel is unwilling to accept any deal at any cost for the release of hostages held by Hamas. This announcement comes amid ongoing tensions within his coalition regarding a U.S. initiative aimed at increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Netanyahu’s remarks were made just before a cabinet meeting and reveal the deepening divide between religious nationalist factions, which resist any concessions to the Palestinians, and centrist groups comprised of former military leaders. “Efforts to free the hostages are ongoing,” Netanyahu emphasized, reiterating that Israel would not agree to every proposal without proper consideration.

The Prime Minister seemed to counter comments made by his far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has advocated for Jewish settlers to return to Gaza and publicly criticized U.S. President Joe Biden’s push for humanitarian assistance in the region. Ben-Gvir asserted that Biden’s actions seemed more focused on providing aid to Gaza than fully supporting Israel, while also expressing his preference for Donald Trump as a more favorable U.S. leader.

Though Netanyahu did not directly address Ben-Gvir, he asserted the importance of maintaining independent relations with the U.S. and the international community while prioritizing Israeli national interests. “I don’t need assistance in managing our relations with the U.S.,” he stated during the cabinet meeting.

In a show of solidarity, former opposition leader Benny Gantz, who is part of the emergency unity government formed last year, expressed gratitude to Biden via social media, highlighting that the Israeli populace would remember his support during critical times.

The ongoing political discord underscores the tense environment in Israel four months after the tragic assault by Hamas that resulted in around 1,200 Israeli fatalities and approximately 240 people taken hostage. In retaliation, Israel has conducted extensive military operations in Gaza, resulting in over 27,000 Palestinian deaths, according to health authorities, and displacing most of the 2.3 million residents.

Meanwhile, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza amid its severe crisis, stating that it includes pressing Israel on related issues to facilitate more assistance.