Israeli PM, Defense Minister at Odds Over Gaza Hostage Deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have recently clashed over the stalled negotiations for a ceasefire deal aimed at freeing hostages held in Gaza.

According to reports from Israeli media, including the Kan television channel, Gallant privately told a parliamentary committee on Monday that Israel itself is partly responsible for the delay in reaching a hostage deal. Gallant was addressing the tough decision Israel faces between pursuing a ceasefire agreement that could end the conflicts in Gaza and with Lebanese Hezbollah or escalating the war further.

Gallant reportedly expressed his preference for the former, criticizing the notion of achieving “total victory” as unrealistic—a phrase often used by Netanyahu in his public statements.

Netanyahu quickly responded to Gallant’s comments in a statement from his office, accusing Gallant of undermining efforts to secure the hostages’ release. Netanyahu argued that by adopting what he described as an “anti-Israel narrative,” Gallant was hurting the chances of reaching a deal. Netanyahu placed the blame for the stalled negotiations squarely on Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, insisting that Sinwar is the only obstacle to a deal.

Netanyahu reiterated his belief that Israel must strive for “total victory,” emphasizing that this goal should unite everyone, including Gallant.

In response, Gallant defended his position on X (formerly Twitter), clarifying that he remains committed to the war’s objectives and to continuing the fight. He also criticized the ongoing leaks of sensitive information, including the one that sparked the current controversy.

Hamas responded to the public dispute between Netanyahu and Gallant, with one of its leaders, Izzat al-Rishq, claiming that Gallant’s remarks validate their long-standing position. Al-Rishq accused Netanyahu of deceiving the world and the families of the hostages, suggesting that Netanyahu is more interested in prolonging the conflict for political purposes rather than securing the hostages’ release.

This dispute comes in the context of earlier reports that Gallant had criticized the lack of progress in securing a deal for the hostages taken by Hamas during their attack on Israel on October 7.