Deal Dents Bibi’s Pursuit of “Absolute Victory”

Jan 14, 2025 12:41 pm | News, Ticker, Virtual Jerusalem

The dubious terms of the reported deal undermines the Israeli war effort and paints a dark scenario for the region and for Netanyahu’s government

Israel’s agreement with Hamas to exchange hostages for prisoners and halt hostilities marks a dramatic pivot, raising questions about the erosion of its core wartime principles. While presented as a humanitarian breakthrough, the deal exposes fractures in Israel’s declared objectives and casts a shadow over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership.

The Terms: A Strategic Retreat?

The deal, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, involves the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted of violent offenses. Additionally, a temporary cessation of hostilities is expected, along with expanded humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Israel’s concessions, including the release of prisoners, many of whom were involved in acts of violence against Israelis, signal a departure from these principles. Hamas Gains and Israeli Risks

Hamas, which has faced mounting pressure from Israeli military operations, emerges from this deal with a huge propaganda victory. The release of prisoners will bolster its standing among Palestinians, framing the exchange as proof of its resistance strategy’s success.

For Israel, the implications are grim. By yielding to negotiations, it risks setting a precedent that hostage-taking is an effective bargaining tool. Military experts warn that this not only undermines Israel’s deterrence but also raises the likelihood of future attacks aimed at capturing Israelis.

“This deal is a tactical win for Hamas and a strategic loss for Israel,” said Amos Harel, a prominent Israeli military commentator. “The short-term relief of bringing hostages home will come at a long-term cost.”

The Erosion of Military Objectives

The war, which began with the goal of eradicating Hamas, has now reached a point where Israel’s leadership appears willing to negotiate under pressure. This shift has led to questions about the coherence of Israel’s strategy and whether it was ever realistic to achieve its stated objectives without international support or a long-term plan for Gaza.

Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum. Even members of his own coalition have expressed unease about the deal, viewing it as a betrayal of the government’s hardline stance.Opposition politicians and military analysts have been quick to label the move as capitulation, warning it may embolden Hamas and similar groups in the future.

“Netanyahu’s rhetoric of ‘decisive victory’ rings hollow,” said opposition leader Benny Gantz. “This deal rewards Hamas for its barbarity and weakens our deterrence.”

The proposed agreement, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, outlines a phased approach:

  • Initial Phase: Hamas is expected to release approximately 33 hostages, primarily women and children, in exchange for Israel freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
  • Ceasefire Duration: A 42-day cessation of hostilities is planned, during which Israeli forces will maintain positions around Gaza but refrain from active military operations within the territory.
  • Humanitarian Aid: The ceasefire will facilitate a significant increase in humanitarian assistance to Gaza, addressing the dire needs of the civilian population affected by the prolonged conflict.

“Netanyahu promised to destroy Hamas, yet he’s negotiating with them,” said opposition leader Yair Lapid. “This deal rewards terrorists and signals that hostage-taking works. It’s a betrayal of our principles.”

Within Netanyahu’s coalition, dissent is growing. Far-right factions, which have been key to his political survival, have criticized the agreement as capitulation. Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich called the deal a “catastrophe” and Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has also been fiercely critical. They argue that releasing prisoners and withdrawing from military positions undermines Israel’s deterrence and encourages further violence.

Hamas Gains and Israeli Risks

For Hamas, the deal represents a significant propaganda victory. By securing the release of prisoners, the group can claim it has forced Israel to negotiate under pressure, reinforcing its narrative of resistance. The ceasefire also provides Hamas with a window to regroup, rearm, and strengthen its position in Gaza.

“This agreement is a strategic blunder,” said Amos Yadlin, former head of Israeli military intelligence. “Hamas will use the ceasefire to rebuild its capabilities, and the release of prisoners sends a dangerous message that terrorism yields results.”

The deal also risks emboldening other militant groups in the region. Analysts warn that it sets a precedent, suggesting that hostage-taking is an effective means of leverage against Israel.

Military experts have questioned whether these objectives were ever realistic. “From the start, there was no clear endgame,” said retired General Gadi Eisenkot. “This deal highlights the lack of a coherent strategy. We’ve moved from decisive victory to damage control.”

A Fractured Domestic Front

The agreement has also deepened divisions within Israeli society. For families of the hostages, the deal is a lifeline, offering a glimmer of hope for reunion. Yet, for many others, it represents a betrayal of the sacrifices made during the conflict.

Protests have erupted in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with demonstrators accusing the government of abandoning its principles. “We sent our soldiers to fight for Israel’s security, not to make deals with terrorists,” said one protester. “This isn’t the victory we were promised.”

Conclusion: A Hollow Victory?

The hostage deal offers immediate relief for some but leaves Israel grappling with deeper strategic and moral questions. It exposes the gap between rhetoric and reality, raising doubts about the government’s ability to achieve its stated goals. For Netanyahu, the deal may provide a temporary reprieve from political pressure, but it comes at a high cost to his credibility and Israel’s long-term security.

As the ceasefire takes effect and hostages are released, the broader implications of this agreement will come into sharper focus. Has Israel gained a humanitarian victory at the expense of its deterrence, or has it merely postponed the next chapter of a seemingly endless conflict? The coming weeks will reveal whether this deal marks a turning point or yet another setback in Israel’s struggle to ensure peace and security.

3 Comments

  1. Sandra Lee Smith

    Just no words of apology enough for the Israeli citizens who will suffer in future for this incredibly STUPID action on the parts of Biden and Trump, pushing them into this “rinse and repeat” so-called “deal” that hands Hamas the victory, leaves the bulk of the hostages still in Hamas control and sets Israel up for the NEXT 7 October! I am so very sorry for what our meddlesome pols have done to you!

  2. kai Ben Abraham

    Stupid. Dangerous. Tell Biden and Blinken to f**k off. Stick to the goal: wipe out Hamas’s terror troops and weaponry. Give those murderers no room to breathe

  3. Baruch Cohon

    Hard to believe Bibi Netanyahu would make such a deal. Does he really bet the terrorists of Hamas will keep their word?