Former Defense Minister Gantz urges Netanyahu to strike hostage deal with opposition support

Benny Gantz, head of the opposition National Unity party, urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday to urgently reach a hostage deal, offering the political backing of the opposition parties.

Speaking at the B’Sheva Group’s annual conference in New York, Gantz reflected on the unprecedented Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, during which 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 kidnapped.

“Today we are marking 590 days since the deadliest day in the history of the Jewish people since the Holocaust,” Gantz stated. “Fifty-eight of our brothers and sisters are still being held captive by the Hamas monsters. Just a week ago, our hearts were filled with joy at the release of Edan Alexander. His release was made possible thanks to the efforts of President Trump and his special envoy Steve Witkoff. But we cannot, and must not, stop here,” he argued. 

Gantz who is a former IDF chief and a former defense minister, emphasized that Israel and the international community have a duty to secure the return of the remaining hostages. 

“To the State of Israel, the mediators, and the entire international community, there is a duty to do everything to bring all the hostages home. Netanyahu, you now stand at a critical crossroads. I want to say it again – you have the full support of the opposition to bring our hostages home. Bring them back now,” Gantz urged.

A recent poll suggested that the majority of the Israelis currently support the return of the hostages, even at the cost of ending the war against the terrorist organization Hamas. However, a significant portion of the Israeli public is also concerned that an undefeated Hamas would continue to threaten Israel’s security.

Gantz reflected on these sentiments by arguing that the main objective of the expanded IDF military operation in Gaza should be a return of the remaining hostages.

“Expanding the military effort in the Gaza Strip is important, but it must serve the goals of the war – primarily, bringing the kidnapped men and women home," he stated. 

Gantz concluded by addressing U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, which calls for voluntary emigration of Palestinians from the war-torn enclave. 

“In Gaza, there is a unique opportunity to advance President Trump’s voluntary emigration plan. The State of Israel and the countries willing to absorb citizens from Gaza must act to promote the plan and shape Gaza’s political future. There is no more room for hesitation – the time to act is now,” he urged.

However, the plan faces opposition from Arab and European diplomats, who claim it would amount to “ethnic cleansing” and allegedly violate international law.

A poll conducted last month revealed that more than 50% of Gazans would consider leaving if given an opportunity to start fresh elsewhere. It is unclear where Gazans would go as most Arab and Muslim countries refuse to host them. 

Last week, a report suggested that the Trump administration seeks to relocate one million Gazans to Libya. However, the U.S. embassy in Libya has dismissed the report as inaccurate.