Israeli Families Claim Netanyahu Requires Positive Polling for Hostage Release Deal

[CharlieH]

 

**TEL AVIV — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not agree to end the war in Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages unless opinion polls indicate it is politically advantageous for him, a top Israeli security official informed the families of those held captive, according to a person present at the closed-door meeting and an advocacy group on Friday.**

 

The comments by Netanyahu’s national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, were first made public by Israel’s Channel 12 broadcaster and sent shockwaves through the hostage family community nearly eight months after their loved ones were kidnapped by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attack.

 

“The Israeli government made a conscious and deliberate decision to sacrifice the hostages,” the Hostage Family Forum said in a statement Friday. “The hostages, and the entire State of Israel, have been taken captive by those who chose political interests over their national and governmental duty.”

 

Hanegbi met with relatives of the hostages at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv on Thursday afternoon. Among the attendees was Gil Dickmann, whose 40-year-old cousin, Carmel Gat, is among the 125 hostages still being held in Gaza.

 

Hanegbi "told us: ‘We understand that the only way to bring all the hostages back is through a deal that will bring an end to the war.’ And as he sees it, the Israeli government is not going to put an end to the war right now,” Dickmann told NBC News in an interview Friday.

 

“He said the only way to make Netanyahu do this is to make him understand that it’s going to be politically good for him. If he sees polls indicating that the Israeli public wants to see the hostages home more than it wants the continuation of the war, then he will make a deal that will bring all the hostages home,” he added. “We were shocked by this.”

 

In a statement released by the prime minister’s office, Hanegbi said he would not comment publicly on what was said in a closed-door meeting. “This is the proper way to have an open dialogue between the political echelon and the grieving families. I will not deviate from this tradition even after today’s meeting. Israel is obligated to bring about the release of all the abductees, and we will do so,” he said.

 

Cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas have remained deadlocked for months over various issues, particularly the question of ending the war.

 

Hamas reiterated its position in a statement Thursday, saying it would only release the hostages in exchange for an end to the conflict and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

 

Netanyahu has consistently stated he will not agree to end the war as part of a hostage deal, framing his decision in national security terms by emphasizing Israel's obligation to destroy Hamas and prevent a repeat of the Oct. 7 terror attack. However, Hanegbi’s comments suggest that Netanyahu’s position is also influenced by political considerations.

 

Dickmann mentioned that Hanegbi informed the families of the hostages that he believed a preliminary agreement could be reached. This initial phase of the deal would involve releasing some hostages in return for a cease-fire lasting several weeks. However, Hanegbi also cautioned that once the ongoing offensive in Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city, concludes, Israel would lose leverage over Hamas. Furthermore, he indicated that public focus would likely move away from Gaza and the hostages, shifting instead toward a possible conflict with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

 

as reported by NBC

 

2024-06-01

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

 

 

 

[thaibeachlovers]

23 hours ago, CharlieH said:

Netanyahu has consistently stated he will not agree to end the war as part of a hostage deal, framing his decision in national security terms by emphasizing Israel's obligation to destroy Hamas and prevent a repeat of the Oct. 7 terror attack.

Given that his objective is for all Hamas fighters to die, or be captured alive ( a fate worse than death ), netanyahu has guaranteed that the conflict will continue.

 

The idea that as long as the illegal israeli blockade of Gaza and the illegal oppression and land theft in the West Bank continue October 7 will never be repeated is a myth. Oppression always brings resistance. It may not be called Hamas, but it will be out to kill israelis. There are now probably over a million potential recruits in Gaza. Many of them will be young children now, just waiting till they get old enough.

[thaibeachlovers]

23 hours ago, CharlieH said:

Furthermore, he indicated that public focus would likely move away from Gaza and the hostages, shifting instead toward a possible conflict with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Wouldn't that be just peachy for netanyahu? It would deflect all the attention away from Gaza. He did try and start something with Iran by the attack on the consulate, but that only deflected attention for a short time, and then returned even more so because of the attack on the "safe zone". He needs something bigger, like an invasion of Lebanon to really deflect attention away what he is doing in Gaza.

[Jeff the Chef]

Joe Biden’s Terrible Israel Policy Is Really About Getting in Bed With Saudi Arabia

Biden's plan to cozy up to Arab dictators is right out of Donald Trump's playbook — but even worse.

Why does Joe Biden insist on pursuing a foreign policy of blind support of Israel’s war on Gaza? In addition to the moral calamity — on full display as Israel bombed Palestinian refugee camps in Gaza — it has also exacted a political cost, damaging his relationship with his base and swing state voters. Critics have attributed Biden’s disastrous handling of the war to incompetence or his lifelong Zionism.

What is really at the center of the administration’s policy, however, is an insidious geopolitical play that will make the world a more dangerous place, advancing U.S. imperial interests under the guise of a diplomatic deal.

Biden wants to tie the U.S. to one of the most abhorrent regimes in the world for decades to come, striking a far-reaching security deal with Saudi Arabia — an agreement that would put American lives on the line to protect the Saudi dictatorship and lock us into a new cold war.

 

https://theintercept.com/2024/05/30/biden-israel-saudi-trump/

[Bkk Brian]

Israeli hostages’ families join Joe Biden in plea to agree Gaza ceasefire deal

A senior administration official said: “What’s on the table now is really an end-game to the process … We give credit to the Israelis for putting this offer down. This is close to the deal that Hamas said they would take not too long ago.”

The official said the “onus” was now on Hamas, adding that the administration was “realistic” about advancing plans for a two-state solution after the war but that this would depend on establishing “a Gaza with Hamas no longer in power” and reform of the Palestinian authority in the West Bank.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/israel-offers-ceasefire-deal-to-end-war-on-hamas-in-gaza-8qvldn7t9

https://archive.ph/9Nxh5

[Jeff the Chef]

Two far-right Israeli ministers have threatened to resign and bring down the governing coalition of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he accepts a peace proposal laid out by US President Joe Biden.

Biden unveiled on Friday what he said was a three-phase Israeli proposal to end the conflict in Gaza that would pair a release of hostages with a “full and complete ceasefire.”

During a speech at the White House, Biden said Hamas had been degraded to a point where it could no longer carry out the type of attack seen on October 7 that launched the current war in Gaza.

“It’s time for this war to end,” he said, a clear indication that – as far as he is concerned – Israel’s war goals have been met.

But the Israeli government’s two most prominent far-right members, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, made it explicitly clear they reject an immediate ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also signaled he is not ready either, casting doubt over Biden’s proposal.

 

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/02/middleeast/israeli-ministers-biden-ceasefire-plan-intl/index.html

[Bkk Brian]

19 minutes ago, Jeff the Chef said:

Two far-right Israeli ministers have threatened to resign and bring down the governing coalition of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he accepts a peace proposal laid out by US President Joe Biden.

Biden unveiled on Friday what he said was a three-phase Israeli proposal to end the conflict in Gaza that would pair a release of hostages with a “full and complete ceasefire.”

During a speech at the White House, Biden said Hamas had been degraded to a point where it could no longer carry out the type of attack seen on October 7 that launched the current war in Gaza.

“It’s time for this war to end,” he said, a clear indication that – as far as he is concerned – Israel’s war goals have been met.

But the Israeli government’s two most prominent far-right members, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, made it explicitly clear they reject an immediate ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also signaled he is not ready either, casting doubt over Biden’s proposal.

 

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/02/middleeast/israeli-ministers-biden-ceasefire-plan-intl/index.html

That's what happens in a democracy, not everyone has the same opinion.

 

Israeli hardliners threaten to topple Netanyahu over ceasefire deal

“Now the pressure is on Hamas. And all the world must pressure Hamas to say yes to this proposal. This is what we need to put an end to this tragedy and bring all the hostages home. If Sinwar cares at all about the lives of Palestinians, of the people of Gaza, he must say yes to this proposal, and this might be the last chance.”

https://archive.ph/riIcK

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/israel-gaza-ceasefire-deal-hamas-netanyahu-g7c7n50n2

[Hawaiian]

3 hours ago, Jeff the Chef said:

Joe Biden’s Terrible Israel Policy Is Really About Getting in Bed With Saudi Arabia

Biden's plan to cozy up to Arab dictators is right out of Donald Trump's playbook — but even worse.

Why does Joe Biden insist on pursuing a foreign policy of blind support of Israel’s war on Gaza? In addition to the moral calamity — on full display as Israel bombed Palestinian refugee camps in Gaza — it has also exacted a political cost, damaging his relationship with his base and swing state voters. Critics have attributed Biden’s disastrous handling of the war to incompetence or his lifelong Zionism.

What is really at the center of the administration’s policy, however, is an insidious geopolitical play that will make the world a more dangerous place, advancing U.S. imperial interests under the guise of a diplomatic deal.

Biden wants to tie the U.S. to one of the most abhorrent regimes in the world for decades to come, striking a far-reaching security deal with Saudi Arabia — an agreement that would put American lives on the line to protect the Saudi dictatorship and lock us into a new cold war.

 

https://theintercept.com/2024/05/30/biden-israel-saudi-trump/

Better to have the Saudis on our side rather than with our adversaries. 

[thaibeachlovers]

4 hours ago, Jeff the Chef said:

Two far-right Israeli ministers have threatened to resign and bring down the governing coalition of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he accepts a peace proposal laid out by US President Joe Biden.

Biden unveiled on Friday what he said was a three-phase Israeli proposal to end the conflict in Gaza that would pair a release of hostages with a “full and complete ceasefire.”

During a speech at the White House, Biden said Hamas had been degraded to a point where it could no longer carry out the type of attack seen on October 7 that launched the current war in Gaza.

“It’s time for this war to end,” he said, a clear indication that – as far as he is concerned – Israel’s war goals have been met.

But the Israeli government’s two most prominent far-right members, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, made it explicitly clear they reject an immediate ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also signaled he is not ready either, casting doubt over Biden’s proposal.

 

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/02/middleeast/israeli-ministers-biden-ceasefire-plan-intl/index.html

It's been made pretty clear that despite israel being entirely reliant on the US for it's very existence, israeli leaders are going to ignore Biden, despite him desperately needing a ceasefire for domestic political reasons. I guess that is because they know that whoever wins they will still cover for israel in the UN. I wonder if Biden feels so humiliated that he will actually do something to punish netanyahu?

 

During a speech at the White House, Biden said Hamas had been degraded to a point where it could no longer carry out the type of attack seen on October 7 that launched the current war in Gaza.

 

What Biden omits to mention, perhaps because he does not understand human psychology, is that without an end to the israeli oppression of Palestinians, the situation is only temporary. Some years in the future situations similar to October 7 will arise, and again and again. Does he not understand the rage that will engulf the Gazans once the bombing stops? Revenge will become their watchword.

[thaibeachlovers]

6 hours ago, Jeff the Chef said:

Joe Biden’s Terrible Israel Policy Is Really About Getting in Bed With Saudi Arabia

Biden's plan to cozy up to Arab dictators is right out of Donald Trump's playbook — but even worse.

Why does Joe Biden insist on pursuing a foreign policy of blind support of Israel’s war on Gaza? In addition to the moral calamity — on full display as Israel bombed Palestinian refugee camps in Gaza — it has also exacted a political cost, damaging his relationship with his base and swing state voters. Critics have attributed Biden’s disastrous handling of the war to incompetence or his lifelong Zionism.

What is really at the center of the administration’s policy, however, is an insidious geopolitical play that will make the world a more dangerous place, advancing U.S. imperial interests under the guise of a diplomatic deal.

Biden wants to tie the U.S. to one of the most abhorrent regimes in the world for decades to come, striking a far-reaching security deal with Saudi Arabia — an agreement that would put American lives on the line to protect the Saudi dictatorship and lock us into a new cold war.

 

https://theintercept.com/2024/05/30/biden-israel-saudi-trump/

I just read your link and it makes for very interesting reading. I don't know why Biden would be so consumed with hatred for Iran that he would make a deal with the devil, even committing American lives to protect Saudi ( IMO they know that despite having all the toys the US can provide, sans nuclear, Saudi would be a pushover for Iran- they did not cover themselves with glory during the Gulf war ).

 

I suppose that the Great Game is being played out further afield now, but it's not looking good for the US having to support Saudi. Ask anyone that worked in Saudi if they support the royal family, LOL.

[Hawaiian]

16 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

It's been made pretty clear that despite israel being entirely reliant on the US for it's very existence, israeli leaders are going to ignore Biden, despite him desperately needing a ceasefire for domestic political reasons. I guess that is because they know that whoever wins they will still cover for israel in the UN. I wonder if Biden feels so humiliated that he will actually do something to punish netanyahu?

 

During a speech at the White House, Biden said Hamas had been degraded to a point where it could no longer carry out the type of attack seen on October 7 that launched the current war in Gaza.

 

What Biden omits to mention, perhaps because he does not understand human psychology, is that without an end to the israeli oppression of Palestinians, the situation is only temporary. Some years in the future situations similar to October 7 will arise, and again and again. Does he not understand the rage that will engulf the Gazans once the bombing stops? Revenge will become their watchword.

Isn't it Hamas that has vowed to

 

2 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I just read your link and it makes for very interesting reading. I don't know why Biden would be so consumed with hatred for Iran that he would make a deal with the devil, even committing American lives to protect Saudi ( IMO they know that despite having all the toys the US can provide, sans nuclear, Saudi would be a pushover for Iran- they did not cover themselves with glory during the Gulf war ).

 

I suppose that the Great Game is being played out further afield now, but it's not looking good for the US having to support Saudi. Ask anyone that worked in Saudi if they support the royal family, LOL.

There are countries that are not fans of  U.S. politics, but choose to ally themselves with America rather choose the likes of China, Russia, Iran, etc. They even invite the U.S. to establish military bases in their countries.  It all boils down to self preservation. 

While the U.S.may not rely on Saudi Arabia for survival, it sure helps to count on them as allies.

[Jeff the Chef]

2 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I just read your link and it makes for very interesting reading. I don't know why Biden would be so consumed with hatred for Iran that he would make a deal with the devil, even committing American lives to protect Saudi ( IMO they know that despite having all the toys the US can provide, sans nuclear, Saudi would be a pushover for Iran- they did not cover themselves with glory during the Gulf war ).

 

I suppose that the Great Game is being played out further afield now, but it's not looking good for the US having to support Saudi. Ask anyone that worked in Saudi if they support the royal family, LOL.

 

To me it's all because Biden is a Zionist through and through, all his political career he has supported Israel, he doesn't get that not everyone agrees with what Israel has become, all the US support they have had for decades has worsened the Middle East situation due without doubt to the AIPAC lobby.

For what it's worth the same problem is getting into UK politics through the Friends of Israel, Conservative or Labour Parties, needs stopping.