Gallant Accuses Netanyahu of Sinking Past Hostage Deal Negotiations

Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant revealed at the annual International Counter-Terrorism Conference at Reichman University that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu undermined potential hostage deal negotiations in the past.

Failed Attempts and Cabinet Consensus

During a one-on-one discussion with Colonel (Res.) Adv. Lior Lotan, Gallant detailed the security establishment's repeated efforts to secure a second hostage release following the November 2023 agreement. He explained that after initial diplomatic avenues stalled, the defense leadership proposed withdrawing from the Netzarim Corridor as leverage.

"The Chief of Staff, Nitzan Alon, the head of the Shin Bet, the head of the Mossad, and others were in favor, and we presented this matter. A rare consensus was created," Gallant stated.

Leaks and Collapsed Negotiations

According to Gallant, the negotiating mandate aimed for 33 living hostages with a strict minimum threshold of 18. He claimed that after Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich learned of the details, the confidential numbers were leaked, effectively destroying the framework.

Gallant asserted that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar subsequently hardened his stance upon learning Israel's baseline position, rendering the mediation efforts futile.