The people of Israel were glued to their screens today with excitement as four reconnaissance soldiers return home to their joyful parents and families. The agreement with Hamas prioritized the release of women before men and civilians before soldiers.
However, last night, when the list of names was transferred from Hamas to Israel, it was revealed, to our surprise, that civilian Arbel Yehud was not included in the list of returnees. Instead, a reconnaissance soldier will be released, bringing the total to four soldiers: Daniela, Liri, Naama, and Karina. Arbel's absence constitutes a blatant breach of the agreement.
After a brief consultation at the Prime Minister's Office, it was decided not to disrupt the process and to allow the return of the four soldiers. However, it was also resolved that Israel will not overlook the violation regarding Arbel's non-return, and will address it subsequently.
This agreement with Hamas is part of the first stage, which entails the release of 33 hostages in exchange for hundreds of prisoners, some of whom have blood on their hands. On the 16th day of this phase, negotiations are expected to begin for the second stage, which aims to secure the release of all hostages in exchange for the Israel Defense Forces' withdrawal from all areas of Gaza and a cessation of the war.
Hamas is aware of the coalition crisis in Israel and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's threats to dissolve the government. Consequently, Hamas is testing the limits of the Israeli government by deliberately creating crises to gauge its stance on the next phase of the deal.
Since the disaster of October 7, Israel has inflicted heavy blows on Hamas but has not succeeded in returning the hostages through military means, necessitating a negotiated deal. This agreement is taking place under difficult conditions and involves significant concessions from the Israeli government.
Hamas, for its part, will do everything in its power to demonstrate that it has not been defeated and still wields strength. It will repeatedly attempt to breach the agreement and embarrass Israel. The State of Israel must stand firm and ensure that the agreement it signed is upheld to the letter. If not, Hamas will exploit the situation to extract further concessions in the second phase of negotiations.
If Israel seeks to survive and bring all the hostages home, it must insist on its terms and make it clear to Hamas that agreements must be honored.
