Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed skepticism about a potential agreement with Hamas, emphasizing Israel's commitment to maintaining key strategic positions. Meanwhile, bereaved families voiced concerns about a possible prisoner exchange, drawing parallels to the controversial Gilad Schalit deal of 2011.
"I'm not certain there will be a deal, but if one materializes, it will safeguard Israel's strategic interests and assets," Netanyahu stated on Tuesday during a meeting with the Heroism Forum – bereaved families who lost soldiers in the ongoing Swords of Iron campaign – and the Hope Forum – families of October 7 hostages.
Netanyahu also informed the families: "Last night's operation to recover the hostages' bodies is just one of many we are conducting. I can't disclose everything. We are constantly working on these and additional operations."
The prime minister firmly declared that Israel would not, under any circumstances, relinquish control of the Philadelphi Corridor and Netzarim Corridor, referring to the Gaza-Egypt border and a key east-west corridor in the Gaza Strip. "Perhaps I managed to convince Blinken? I made it clear to him: Under no circumstances will Israel withdraw from the strategic positions it has secured during this conflict."
See it for yourself.
US @SecBlinken clarifies that Israel has accepted the bridging proposal for a hostage deal and a ceasefire.
"It is now incumbent on Hamas to do the same," he added. pic.twitter.com/Pl0ImW9VTL
— Oren Marmorstein (@OrenMarmorstein) August 19, 2024
"These are pivotal hours for the Israeli people," said Yehoshua Shani, father of Captain Uri Shani, who fell in Kisufim, at the outset of the meeting. "We're deeply concerned about a potential deal that could compromise Israel's security," he continued. "I want to show a photograph taken the year Gilad Shalit was released, depicting 10-year-old children, my son, and Eitan Mor, who is currently held captive in Gaza. While you were pushing for the Shalit deal, the seeds of the October 7 disaster were sown. We urge the Prime Minister not to repeat the mistakes of the Shalit deal that set us back. We're open to an agreement, but not one that jeopardizes our national security."
Itzik Buntzel, father of Amit Buntzel, who fell in the Gaza Strip, stated: "We're here this morning for a 'Heroism Forum' meeting with the prime minister, given the conflicting information circulating in the public sphere and media. We intend to look the prime minister in the eye and ask for clarity on what's truly happening and what terms are being discussed."
He added: "Alarmingly, we learned this morning that the state lacks a comprehensive list of hostages and casualties. Entering negotiations without knowing who among the hostages is alive is deeply troubling. How can we engage in talks when such crucial information is missing?"
"It's unthinkable that we'd enter into a deal with far-reaching implications for Israel's security without full transparency. We demand answers from the prime minister. We're not merely another star on the American flag but a sovereign nation. There's no scenario where Israel capitulates, and Hamas resumes control of Gaza as if nothing happened."
Itzik Fitusi, who lost his son Yishai, a Golani fighter who fell on October 7, said: "I'm here to ensure the Prime Minister remains resolute in safeguarding Israel's security, with the welfare of all citizens in mind. Today marks 19 years since our eviction from our homes, and we've witnessed the consequences of the disengagement. I intend to remind him of all that has transpired since."
Danny Steinberg, the father of Nahal Brigade Commander Colonel Yonatan Aharon Steinberg, added: "My stance reflects previous meetings with the prime minister, where he was unwavering in his commitment to the government's decisions to dismantle Hamas and secure the return of all hostages. The Heroism Forum supports a deal, but one that includes all hostages, including those who have been killed. We'll back an agreement that doesn't compromise strategic assets or abandon the South and the state. We envision a comprehensive deal that ensures the return of all hostages and brings security to both the South and, if possible, the North. That's our vision for the agreement. We're here to hear firsthand what's truly unfolding."
