Israeli security experts deem hostage deal unfavorable but necessary “`
International relief greeted Friday’s news of a ceasefire and hostage-exchange agreement, potentially securing the release of all remaining hostages held in deplorable conditions and ending the brutal 15-month Gaza conflict.
The 42-day initial phase begins Sunday with the return of three of the 33 hostages.
The exchange of remains, both living and deceased, will be negotiated on day 16, but further hostage releases won’t commence until day 43, marking the second phase.
However, families of hostages remain cautiously optimistic, with mixed reactions to the agreement’s progression.
“We’ve negotiated this deal for over a year; both sides sought the best possible outcome,” explained retired IDF Major General Yaakov Amidror during a Thursday press briefing.
Amidror emphasized the impossibility of a perfect solution, given the complexities and need to balance human lives with strategic security goals.
“This is the deal. It’s unfavorable, but the only way to secure the release of 33 hostages,” he stated. “Morally, it’s the right course of action.”
Amidror acknowledged criticism regarding the phased approach, with some objecting to the initial release not encompassing all hostages and others raising further concerns about the deal’s terms.
The ceasefire reportedly includes an Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza to a security perimeter around border communities.
Details of the IDF withdrawal remain unclear, especially concerning the phased implementation and specific security corridors within Gaza. The Times of Israel reported this week that the withdrawal is contingent upon the release of all hostages.
“Israel forfeits the opportunity to completely destroy Hamas,” Amidror noted. “The momentum is lost, and what follows the 42 days remains uncertain.”
He highlighted the secrecy surrounding the agreement, including the security arrangements with the U.S. regarding Iran and the persistent threat posed by Hamas, despite losing approximately 80% of its military capabilities and an estimated 20,000 militants.
A far-right Israeli minister reportedly threatened resignation this week if Israel accepted the deal.
“Many oppose it, as it’s clear Israel is foregoing the chance to destroy Hamas, as promised,” Amidror said. “But this was the only way to bring the hostages home.”
Amidror explained that Israeli advances near hostage locations consistently resulted in retaliatory actions that endangered the hostages’ lives.
“A military solution proved impossible. We faced a difficult decision: sacrifice the hostages, or negotiate a deal?”
John Hannah, former National Security Advisor to Dick Cheney, called it a “difficult, painful decision, but one the Israeli people must make.”
Hannah acknowledged the deal’s divisiveness but noted polls show majority Israeli support for prioritizing hostage return over Hamas’ complete destruction.
“Hamas will claim survival,” Hannah stated. “Israel will achieve a major war objective – the hostages’ return – but at the cost of…Hamas’ annihilation, both militarily and politically.”
“The ideal deal wasn’t achieved,” Amidror concluded. “This is the deal.”
“There’s no other way to secure the hostages’ release, and within Israeli society, that was crucial,” the retired Major General added. “Israel is a democracy; the government must heed public opinion.”